Culture Minister Fadli Zon Champions Culture-Based Development in East Nusa Tenggara
Minister of Culture Fadli Zon began his working visit to East Nusa Tenggara (NTT) by engaging in dialogue with the NTT Youth Forum (FP-NTT) at a seminar entitled "Dissecting the Phrase 'Let's Build NTT': Culture-Based Development" in Kupang on Thursday morning. The event was also attended by NTT Governor Melki Laka Lena, demonstrating a commitment to central-regional synergy in advancing local culture.
In his presentation, Minister Fadli Zon emphasised that regional culture must serve as the foundation of national development. "With more than 1,300 ethnic groups and 718 regional languages, Indonesia represents mega-diversity in culture. This potential must be managed as a unifying force and an economic driver," he said via his X account.
He described NTT as a "cultural storehouse" with 37 Intangible Cultural Heritage items designated by UNESCO, hundreds of distinctive weaving motifs, and world-class archaeological sites such as Liang Bua Cave, where Homo floresiensis was discovered. "These are not merely heritage items, but strategic assets for tourism, the creative economy, and national identity," he added.
Governor Melki Laka Lena welcomed the initiative, stating that the provincial government was ready to promote culture-based development, including through the development of creative villages and weaving festivals. "We have sabu, ikat, and traditional dances that could become global attractions if properly presented," he said.
Fadli Zon also urged NTT's youth to take an active role in cultural preservation and innovation. "The younger generation must be pioneers — not only preserving traditions but also bringing them to life through digitalisation, entrepreneurship, and cultural diplomacy," he said.
As a follow-up, the Ministry of Culture will strengthen the documentation and protection of NTT's cultural heritage, support the development of creative economies based on weaving, music, and local cuisine, and promote collaborative archaeological research at NTT's historical sites.
"Culture is the soul of the nation. If we manage it seriously, it will underpin political sovereignty, economic self-reliance, and national character," the Minister affirmed.
The seminar concluded with a declaration of commitment by NTT youth to drive the "Let's Build NTT through Culture" movement, which will be implemented through concrete programmes in each district.
In his presentation, Minister Fadli Zon emphasised that regional culture must serve as the foundation of national development. "With more than 1,300 ethnic groups and 718 regional languages, Indonesia represents mega-diversity in culture. This potential must be managed as a unifying force and an economic driver," he said via his X account.
He described NTT as a "cultural storehouse" with 37 Intangible Cultural Heritage items designated by UNESCO, hundreds of distinctive weaving motifs, and world-class archaeological sites such as Liang Bua Cave, where Homo floresiensis was discovered. "These are not merely heritage items, but strategic assets for tourism, the creative economy, and national identity," he added.
Governor Melki Laka Lena welcomed the initiative, stating that the provincial government was ready to promote culture-based development, including through the development of creative villages and weaving festivals. "We have sabu, ikat, and traditional dances that could become global attractions if properly presented," he said.
Fadli Zon also urged NTT's youth to take an active role in cultural preservation and innovation. "The younger generation must be pioneers — not only preserving traditions but also bringing them to life through digitalisation, entrepreneurship, and cultural diplomacy," he said.
As a follow-up, the Ministry of Culture will strengthen the documentation and protection of NTT's cultural heritage, support the development of creative economies based on weaving, music, and local cuisine, and promote collaborative archaeological research at NTT's historical sites.
"Culture is the soul of the nation. If we manage it seriously, it will underpin political sovereignty, economic self-reliance, and national character," the Minister affirmed.
The seminar concluded with a declaration of commitment by NTT youth to drive the "Let's Build NTT through Culture" movement, which will be implemented through concrete programmes in each district.