Fadli Zon highlights Indonesia's potential as global cultural centre

Jakarta (ANTARA) - Culture Minister Fadli Zon has stated that Indonesia has the potential to become a global cultural centre and a superpower in the field of culture, whilst attending a Studium Generale at Muhammadiyah University of Surabaya (Umsura), East Java, as part of the 2026 Baitul Arqam Student programme.

“With more than 17,000 islands, approximately 1,340 ethnic groups, and hundreds of local languages, Indonesia is described as a nation with cultural megadiversity, positioning it as a potential global cultural centre and superpower in the field of culture,” the Minister explained in an official statement on Sunday.

At the forum themed “Vision and Strategy for the Advancement of Islamic Culture in Indonesia”, Fadli noted that Indonesia possesses enormous cultural capital, encompassing languages, oral traditions, manuscripts, customs, rituals, traditional knowledge, local cuisine, traditional games, and the arts.

Culture, he said, needs to be developed through the cultural economy and creative industries without abandoning its role as an instrument of diplomacy.

Furthermore, Fadli Zon highlighted Indonesia’s historical character as a meeting point for various civilisations that has been relatively free from major conflict, with deep respect for differences and tolerance, particularly between religions.

“It is this kind of tolerance that made Islam readily accepted in various places, including in the Nusantara,” the Minister added.

The advancement of culture, according to the Minister, requires cooperation between the central government, regional governments, universities, students, the private sector, and the wider community. Culture must become an economic force through the cultural economy and creative industries. Beyond being an economic force, culture also serves as a diplomatic strength and a foundation for national identity.