Culture Minister hopes Indonesian music becomes nation's "soft power" on global stage

Banten — Indonesia’s Culture Minister Fadli Zon expressed hope that Indonesian music can become one of the cultural “frontliners” at the international level, as several countries leverage music as a tool for cultural diplomacy or soft power.

This aspiration was conveyed while attending the commemoration of National Music Day 2026, organised by the Association of Indonesian Singers, Songwriters and Musicians (PAPPRI) at the State Building in Banten Province.

“We hope Indonesian music can become one of the cultural frontliners in the international world. Just as other countries use music as soft power, we also hope that an ‘Indonesian wave’ emerges from our music,” Fadli Zon said in an official statement on Tuesday.

The Culture Minister stated that Indonesian music possesses tremendous potential to become a source of cultural strength for the nation globally.

According to Fadli, the wealth of Indonesian music is reflected in the cultural diversity that the nation possesses. “Indonesian music, ranging from traditional to contemporary, has great potential to continue developing. We hope its ecosystem improves through collaboration between musicians, artists, cultural figures, and government at various levels,” he said.

The government, he added, continues to give attention to the preservation and development of traditional music, including through the National Talent Management programme, so that traditional music remains protected and known to younger generations.

“Indonesian music has cultural wealth, creativity, and the remarkable energy of young people to become both a creative economic force and soft power in the world,” added Teuku Riefky.

Meanwhile, Labour Minister Yassierli emphasised that music is not merely a form of cultural expression, but also an important component of the creative economy.

“Music is not only an expression of culture and creativity, but also an important part of the creative economy that contributes to community welfare,” said Yassierli.

The event was enlivened by artistic performances and music from the band SNADA and singer Ita Purnamasari. The activity concluded with a religious reflection and communal prayer accompanied by the rendition of Terebeng Gede, a traditional Banten art form.