Every foreign production filming in Indonesia needs a Film Permit, and every Film Permit requires a government-approved verified fixer. The fixer represents your production before the Indonesian authorities and must be present from your crew's arrival until departure. Your own local producer can still run logistics, but cannot take over this role. Depending on where you film, you may also need separate Location Permits. All permits must be in place before filming begins.

What Is a Film Fixer?

A film fixer is a local professional who helps foreign productions work smoothly in another country. In many countries, a fixer mainly handles logistics, contacts, and translation.In Indonesia, the role goes further. For foreign productions, a government-approved verified fixer is a legal requirement linked to your Film Permit. This person is your production's official point of contact with the Indonesian Government.

Why Do We Need a Government-Approved Verified Fixer?

This is one of the most common questions we receive, because Indonesia's Film Permit system works differently from those in many other countries.

A government-approved verified fixer is not the same as a local producer, production assistant, or story producer. Your own local team can continue to handle production logistics, scheduling, and on-set coordination.The verified fixer's role is to represent your production before the Indonesian Government.

As the registered sponsor of your Film Permit, Bali Fixer is legally required to assign a verified fixer from the moment your foreign crew arrives in Indonesia until they leave the country.

What Does the Verified Fixer Do?

The verified fixer is responsible for:
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• Liaising with the Ministry of Culture (Film Department), which issues Film Permits for foreign productions.
• Providing the required shooting updates and reports to the authorities.
• Coordinating with TIMPORA, BAIS, Immigration, the Police, and other government agencies whenever required.
• Ensuring your production complies with the approved Film Permit and Indonesian regulations.
• Acting as the official government representative if any authority carries out an inspection or requests information during filming.

Does the Fixer Need to Be on Set?

Yes. Our verified fixer will be physically present during filming, as the Film Permit requires. This role is separate from your production crew.

Can Our Own Local Producer or Fixer Take This Role?

No. The verified fixer role cannot be replaced by your own local producer or fixer. Your local team can still work alongside us on production tasks.

Is This Service Optional?

No. It is a legal requirement attached to every Film Permit for foreign productions in Indonesia.

As the registered sponsor, Bali Fixer is legally responsible for your production's compliance. If these government requirements are not followed, we could lose our sponsorship authorization. For this reason, we can only sponsor productions that agree to comply with the Indonesian Film Permit regulations.

What Is the Difference Between a Film Permit and a Location Permit?

Film Permit (Film Production Authorization)

A Film Permit is the government authorization a foreign production needs to carry out professional filming in Indonesia.
It covers the production as a whole, including:

• The foreign crew
• production details
• the filming period
• equipment
• the planned filming activities

Location Permit

A Location Permit is permission to film at a specific place. Depending on the location, it may come from the property owner, the local government, or the authority responsible for that site.
Additional location approval may be needed for places such as:

• hotels and private properties
• temples and religious sites
• government facilities
• national parks and protected areas
• heritage sites and other restricted locations

Do We Need Both?

Yes, where applicable.

A Film Permit does not automatically give you permission to film at every location in Indonesia. The Film Permit allows your foreign production to film in the country. The Location Permit allows you to use a particular place for filming.

Who Arranges the Location Permits?

Bali Fixer can coordinate the required location permissions as part of your production's permitting process.
The exact requirements depend on the location, its ownership, and the responsible authority. Some locations may need additional approvals, documents, fees, or lead time, so it pays to share your location list early.

Can We Film First and Arrange the Permits Later?

No. All required government and location permissions must be secured before filming begins.
Some activities and locations also need their own permits, such as:

• drone operations
• national parks and protected areas
• government properties
• heritage sites
• religious locations

Local Crew Hire

MANDATORY: Government-Approved Verified Fixer
Represents your production before the Indonesian authorities, stays in contact with the Ministry of Culture and other agencies, and is present during filming as the Film Permit requires. This role is mandatory for every foreign production.

🫶🏽 Most relevant positions

Local Producer
Plans and manages the local side of your production, including budget, schedule, and crew.

Location Manager
Arranges location permits and approvals, deals with property owners, communities, and local authorities, and manages the location on the day.

Production Assistant (PA)
Supports the crew on set and keeps the shooting day running smoothly.

Runner
Handles errands, pickups, and last-minute needs on and off set.

Licensed drone operator
Flies all drone shots for your production. Under Indonesian regulations, only licensed local drone pilots can legally operate drones for commercial filming, so foreign crews must hire one. Our operator also arranges the required flight approvals and follows local airspace rules and no-fly zones.

Terms and notes

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