LSF: Film Censorship Fees Are Relatively Affordable

Denpasar, June 12, 2026 — Every film and film advertisement intended for public distribution or exhibition must obtain a Film Censorship Approval Certificate (STLS) from the Film Censorship Board (LSF). This requirement is explicitly stipulated in Article 57, paragraph (1) of Law Number 33 of 2009 on Film.

“A film that has not undergone censorship and is broadcast directly, for example on television, may become a legal issue. The Indonesian Broadcasting Commission (KPI) and Regional Broadcasting Commissions (KPID) can take follow-up action, because LSF is the only institution authorized to certify that a film is suitable for public exhibition,” said Head of the Legal and Advocacy Subcommission of the Film Censorship Board of Indonesia (LSF RI), Saptari Novia Stri, during the opening of the Film and Film Censorship Legal Literacy and Education program attended by local stakeholders in Denpasar, Bali, on Friday (June 12, 2026).

Saptari explained that the issuance of an STLS serves as a form of legal protection for filmmakers while ensuring that the content shown to the public complies with prevailing social norms and values.

LSF Commission II Chair Ervan Ismail stated that the STLS provides official assurance that a film is legally approved for distribution and is appropriate for audiences according to its age classification. “It provides legal certainty and protection. The STLS is official proof from the State, through LSF, that your film complies with Law Number 33 of 2009 on Film,” he said.

The legal protection provided includes assistance and advocacy from LSF. If public objections or controversy arise after a film is released, LSF can act as a mediator or provide expert testimony. “LSF will advocate that the film has undergone state review and has been declared suitable for distribution,” Ervan explained.

To obtain an STLS, film owners can use the Electronic Censorship Administration System (e-SiAS), as explained by Head of the LSF Publication Subcommission Nusantara Husnul Khatim Mulkan. Through this online system, the entire censorship process—from account registration, film submission, and fee payment to the issuance of the STLS—can be completed remotely from anywhere in Indonesia.

“With e-SiAS, the process can be completed within a maximum of three working days. This is far more efficient. Censorship fees are also relatively affordable. For educational purposes, such as submissions from universities or senior high schools, the applicable fees are significantly lower,” Nusantara said. (Nuz)