Culture Minister Fadli Zon: Collaboration of Society Key to Advancing Indonesian Culture

Culture Minister Fadli Zon has stressed that collaboration among all layers of society, especially the younger generation, is a vital asset for Indonesia to maintain the existence of its culture in the future. According to him, the advancement of culture can only be achieved if all elements of the nation are aware that culture is a strategic force and the foundation of national development. “The advancement of culture can only be achieved if we work together, with the awareness that culture is the main strength and asset of the nation moving forward,” stated Fadli Zon in a cultural oration while opening the National Children’s Cultural and Works Exhibition at Sebelas Maret University (UNS) in Surakarta, Central Java, on Thursday (26/3/2026). Fadli views Indonesia as a megadiverse country with extraordinary cultural wealth, encompassing thousands of ethnic groups, hundreds of regional languages, oral traditions, manuscripts, rituals, traditional knowledge, and cuisine. This wealth must be continuously preserved to prevent erosion by time. Amid global dynamics, Fadli sees culture not only as the root of identity but also as a force for diplomacy and an economic driver. He believes Indonesia has great potential to create an “Indonesian wave” on the international stage, similar to other countries that have successfully popularised their cultures. To this end, Fadli emphasised the importance of digitising culture while maintaining its roots. He proposed three main principles: digital cultural literacy encompassing ethics and copyright, protection of cultural practitioners in the digital economy, and strengthening intact cultural archives and databases. The National Children’s Cultural and Works Exhibition, held by UNS as part of the 50th anniversary of the Faculty of Cultural Sciences, carried the theme “Weaving the Rainbow of the Archipelago’s Culture.” Various activities were held, from wayang beber tani performances, exhibitions of archives and keris, student art exhibitions, to alumni MSME exhibitions. Meanwhile, in Aceh, the Aceh Culture and Tourism Office (Disbudpar) stated it would further strengthen the promotion of the Baiturrahman Grand Mosque in Banda Aceh after its designation as a national cultural heritage site. “We are very grateful for this designation. Being designated as a national cultural heritage site will further strengthen Aceh as a religious destination,” said the Head of Tourism Marketing Division of Disbudpar Aceh, Akmal Fajar, in Banda Aceh on Thursday. Disbudpar Aceh will include the Baiturrahman Grand Mosque as a main destination in religious tourism packages, including through the Ramadhan Festival and various other religious attractions. This iconic mosque is equipped with 12 giant electric umbrellas and modern facilities that provide comfort for visitors. During the Eid al-Fitr 1447 Hijriah holiday, the mosque was crowded with tourists from various regions to worship while enjoying its beauty. Through various preservation and promotion efforts, both at the national and regional levels, the advancement and preservation of Indonesian culture is hoped to continue as the nation’s strength in the future.