Fadli Zon states sustainability of museum ecosystem is a priority agenda

Jakarta (ANTARA) - Minister of Culture Fadli Zon has stated that the priority agenda regarding museums is directed towards the sustainability of the museum ecosystem in Indonesia. During a cultural oration to commemorate International Museum Day held at the National Museum in Jakarta on Monday, Fadli Zon stated that museum programmes should focus not only on quantity but also on quality, relevance, and public impact.

“Some priority agendas that we need to promote together to achieve a museum ecosystem include making museums infrastructure for knowledge and institutions for public learning,” he said. He noted that 3mu37 per cent of museum visitors fall within the 18-24 age range, meaning managers have the responsibility to ensure the younger generation does not merely remain visitors but becomes active participants in supporting museum development.

Another task for museums is to accelerate digital transformation to support accessibility, connectivity, documentation, and an enhanced visiting experience. Fadli Zon believes that involving public experience is the correct approach, similar to world-class museums, to ensure growth. Museum managers must also strengthen financing and partnerships to support sustainability. This can be achieved through public funding as well as stronger alternative funding sources, such as philanthropy, cross-sector collaboration, knowledge partnerships, community networks, and broad community involvement.

He added that the ‘Dana Indonesia Raya’ is also relevant to strengthening the museum ecosystem and cultural heritage, as it supports categories such as restoration, artefact maintenance, cultural heritage sustainability, the utilisation of public spaces, and the study of cultural advancement objects and cultural heritage sites. He expressed hope that museum managers could utilise government funds as a stimulus to strengthen the museum ecosystem.

The Ministry of Culture notes that there are currently 516 museums spread across various regions in Indonesia. Of that number, 373 museums, or 72.3 per cent, are registered under the national category. Currently, 234 museums, or 45.3 per cent, are standardised as Type A, B, or C. The Ministry of Culture is currently conducting a reinventory of collections under government auspices, as there are regional collections that require further research regarding their origins. This reinventory is expected to facilitate more innovative recording of Intellectual Property (IP) rights.