Cultural Mission 2026 to Serve as Cultural Diplomacy Platform for Indonesian Students in Six European Countries

SMA Labschool Kebayoran has reaffirmed its commitment to preserving and promoting Indonesian culture through the Cultural Mission (Misbud) 2026 programme. This programme serves as a platform for students to introduce the richness of Nusantara’s arts and culture on the international stage. The Cultural Mission 2026 programme is scheduled to take place from 11 to 22 July 2026. The series of activities will take participants on cultural visits to six European countries, namely Italy, Germany, Switzerland, the Netherlands, Belgium, and France, as part of cross-cultural learning and direct exposure to world history, art, and civilisation. The highlight of Misbud 2026 will be held from 16 to 19 July 2026 in Paris, France. Through student participation in the 38th International Competition and Festival of Folklore, Dance and Music: Etoiles de Paris, participants will have the opportunity to showcase a variety of Indonesian arts and culture before participants and communities from various countries. The event is under the auspices of the European Association of Folklore Festivals (EAFF) – ICH Partner of UNESCO, and serves as a strategic space for Indonesian students to display the richness of Nusantara’s arts, traditions, and cultural values on an international stage. The Minister of Culture of the Republic of Indonesia, Fadli Zon, in his remarks, stressed that Indonesia possesses extraordinary cultural wealth, which is an important asset to be introduced to the world. He stated that the students participating in Misbud 2026 have a strategic role as Indonesian cultural ambassadors on the global stage. ‘No country has cultural wealth as great as Indonesia. And these young people will certainly become Indonesian cultural ambassadors on the global stage. Culture is a soft power. Good luck in your duties as Indonesian Cultural Ambassadors. Bring home achievements, experiences, and friendships. Because in the hands of the younger generation, the future of Indonesia, including the future of Indonesian culture, will continue to live and develop,’ said Fadli Zon. The Misbud 2026 programme is not only directed as an arts competition event but also as a form of cultural diplomacy by Indonesian students. Through performances of dance, music, traditional games, customs, and various other cultural expressions, the students are expected to introduce the Indonesian national identity to the international community.