In 2016, the number of cinema screens in Indonesia reached 1,088 units. Of this total, 76 percent (823 units) belonged to the Cinema 21 network, founded by entrepreneurs Sudwikatmono and Benny Suherman in 1986. The monopoly on cinema screen establishment and the distribution of imported American films at that time allowed the Cinema 21 group to dominate the big-screen business in Indonesia.
Although cinema screens proliferated in the 2000s, national films were poorly received by the public and couldn't compete with imported Hollywood films. The emergence of teen films such as "Ada Apa Dengan Cinta" (AADC), "Jalangkung," and "Petualangan Sherina" spurred a revival of the national film industry. Now, national films can rival Hollywood's action offerings in attracting audiences. Proof of this is the success of "Ada Apa Dengan Cinta 2" and "Warkop DKI Reborn" in captivating Indonesian cinemagoers.
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