Labuan Bajo, June 30, 2025 – Mawatu Resort, a subsidiary of Vasanta Group, has officially announced a strategic partnership with Cinema XXI to bring the first cinema to the Flores archipelago. The cinema will be constructed within the integrated Mawatu development area in Labuan Bajo, East Nusa Tenggara, and is slated to open to the public in mid-2026.
Marking the start of this collaboration, Vasanta Group and Cinema XXI signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Thursday, June 26, 2025. This partnership reflects the shared commitment of both companies to provide modern, high-quality cinematic experiences in one of Indonesia’s premier tourism destinations.
The establishment of Cinema XXI in Mawatu is part of Vasanta Group’s broader commitment to expanding entertainment infrastructure across Indonesia. It also aims to strengthen the synergy between creative industry and tourism in the eastern regions of the country. The new cinema is expected to enhance public access to quality entertainment, attract both domestic and international tourists, and generate new employment opportunities for the local community.
“We are excited to deliver a premium cinematic experience with the first-ever cinema in Flores. This project represents Vasanta Group and Mawatu Resort’s commitment to building an inclusive and sustainable entertainment and tourism ecosystem in Labuan Bajo,” said Heryanto Kurniawan, Director of Mawatu.
Cinema XXI also welcomed the collaboration as part of its ongoing commitment to expanding access to high-quality entertainment nationwide. David Sadeli, Head of Business Development at Cinema XXI, stated, “This collaboration aligns with our sustainable expansion strategy to bring exceptional entertainment experiences to underserved areas across Indonesia. We hope the opening of our first cinema in Flores will have a positive impact not only on the film industry but also in supporting the growth of local creative economies and tourism.”
As the first cinema in Flores, Cinema XXI promises to offer a unique and elevated movie-going experience in Labuan Bajo. Designed to complement the natural ambiance of Eastern Indonesia, the cinema will feature state-of-the-art audio-visual technology to ensure the highest level of comfort and viewing quality.
This project forms an integral part of the Mawatu area's development as a fully integrated lifestyle destination, which includes hotels, culinary areas, commercial spaces, and public facilities. As one of Indonesia’s five Super Priority Tourism Destinations, Labuan Bajo continues to evolve into a new growth hub in Eastern Indonesia. Vasanta Group hopes that the presence of Cinema XXI in Mawatu will serve as a catalyst for accelerating local economic development and enhancing the destination’s global competitiveness.
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About Cinema XXI
Cinema XXI, operated by PT Nusantara Sejahtera Raya Tbk, is the largest cinema chain in Indonesia with over 38 years of experience in the film exhibition industry. The company is committed to consistently delivering the highest quality movie-watching experience and comfort for Indonesian audiences.
As of June 26, 2025, Cinema XXI operates 1,360 screens across 259 cinema locations in 66 cities and regencies throughout Indonesia.
In 2006, Cinema XXI introduced m.tix, originally a text-based ticket booking platform that has since evolved into a mobile application. In 2012, the company brought revolutionary viewing technology to Indonesian audiences with the introduction of IMAX theaters. To further enhance audience experience, Cinema XXI has also adopted cutting-edge “Dolby Atmos” audio systems, now featured in 86 of its cinema screens.
More than just a place to watch movies, Cinema XXI strives to be a second home where people can spend meaningful time with family and friends. The company aims to deliver unforgettable cinema experiences — today and for generations to come.
Cinema XXI has received numerous prestigious accolades over the years. From 2017 to 2019, the brand was awarded the World Branding Award in Kensington, London for Best Brand in the Entertainment Cinema Category (National Tier). In early 2019, Cinema XXI was also named the top choice of millennials in Indonesia through the Millennials Top Brand Awards, presented by a leading youth-focused media outlet.
Despite the challenges posed by the pandemic, the company continued to thrive. In 2020, Cinema XXI was honored as Industry Champion of The Year by the Asia Corporate Excellence and Sustainability (ACES) Awards. Most recently, in both 2023 and 2024, the company was recognized as an Indonesia Best Managed Company by Deloitte.