Deputy Minister of Culture Giring Ganesha Urges Young Professionals to Promote Cultural Values

Jakarta (ANTARA) – Deputy Minister of Culture Giring Ganesha Djumaryo has invited young professionals, including those from the Beyond Professional (Bepro) network, to integrate cultural values into all their endeavours as part of efforts to strengthen national identity and competitiveness.

“Whatever you do, never forget and always include cultural values,” Giring said during remarks in Jakarta on Friday.

He emphasised that culture can serve as a soft diplomacy instrument, and young professionals are expected to act as government collaborators in promoting culture as a source of national pride.

Giring cited examples including the all-female pop group No Na, which has promoted Indonesia globally through its music, and the animation series “Jumbo”, which has gained widespread recognition through Netflix, as evidence of creative products that carry Indonesian identity.

He also highlighted filmmaker and screenwriter Joko Anwar as having successfully broken into the global film industry through his works.

Through these examples, Giring encouraged young professionals to explore culture-based economics and creative economy opportunities, whilst opening channels for broad collaboration in cultural advancement.

“The Ministry of Culture requires collaboration and we are ready to work together,” he said.

Giring also noted that the ministry is preparing a strategy to integrate cultural values into the government’s development of a school-based programme.

He hopes that Bepro can make tangible contributions to society whilst strengthening national cultural advancement.

Earlier, Minister of Culture Fadli Zon stated that the cultural sector has potential to become a strategic driver of economic growth and investment partnerships.

“Investment in the cultural sector is investment in the future. Indonesian culture and creative economy are among the fastest-growing drivers of growth,” Fadli said.

He added that culture plays a role in building national identity and strengthening diplomacy, whilst creating economic value added, opening employment opportunities, and promoting cross-sector innovation.