Fadli Zon: Indonesia Has Potential to Become Global Cultural Centre

Surabaya (ANTARA) — Minister of Culture Fadli Zon has said Indonesia has the potential to become a global cultural centre owing to its cultural megadiversity.

“With more than 17,000 islands, approximately 1,340 ethnic groups, and hundreds of regional languages, Indonesia is described as a nation of cultural megadiversity, positioning it as a potential global cultural centre and superpower in the field of culture,” said Minister Fadli Zon in a statement received in Surabaya, East Java, on Sunday.

At the forum, Fadli also introduced the term “Out of Nusantara” to underscore Indonesia’s strategic position in the history of human migration.

He explained that a number of findings indicate traces of ancient human life in the archipelago dating back 60,000 to 70,000 years, opening up new avenues of research into human migration patterns.

Beyond prehistory, Fadli Zon highlighted the role of museums as showcases of civilisation. He cited the Louvre Museum in Paris, France, and several major museums in the United States as symbols of cultural identity and centres of public education.

“We hope that museums in Indonesia will become centres of education and showcases of our nation’s civilisation,” said Fadli Zon.

He noted that the animated film Jumbo has broken domestic box office records and that Indonesian films have featured at various international festivals, including the Berlin International Film Festival and the Cannes Film Festival.

“Culture is the foundation. Regardless of our backgrounds, we can never be separated from culture,” said Minister Fadli Zon.