Indonesia's megadiversity poised to become world cultural hub
Minister of Culture Fadli Zon stated that Indonesia has the potential to emerge as a global cultural center, given its vast cultural megadiversity.
“With more than 17,000 islands, around 1,340 ethnic groups, and hundreds of local languages, Indonesia is known as a country with cultural megadiversity, with the potential to become a world cultural center,” he said in a statement received on Sunday.
He conveyed this while attending the 2026 Student Baitul Arqom at the Muhammadiyah University of Surabaya (Umsura).
On the occasion, Fadli introduced the term “Out of Nusantara” to emphasize Indonesia’s strategic position in the history of human migration.
“So far, the people know the Out of Africa theory. However, it is not impossible that Indonesian ancestors migrated to the Pacific, Australia, and even Africa,” he continued.
According to him, several findings indicate traces of prehistoric human life in the archipelago dating back 60,000 to 70,000 years, thereby expanding studies exploring human migratory routes.
Besides prehistory, the minister also highlighted the role of museums as showcases of civilization. He cited the Louvre Museum in Paris, and several major museums in the United States as examples of cultural identity and public education centers.
“We hope that museums in Indonesia will become centers of education and showcases of the nation’s civilization,” he stated.
Furthermore, the minister highlighted Indonesia’s historical character as a meeting place for various civilizations, relatively free from major conflicts, and a strong appreciation for differences and tolerance, particularly between religions.
He explained that although Indonesia was once shaped by Hindu and Buddhist traditions, its heritage is still preserved by Muslims as the majority population. Today, Borobudur Temple, Prambanan Temple, Mendut Temple, and Plaosan Temple remain well maintained.
“This kind of tolerance is what makes Islam easily accepted in various places, including in Indonesia,” he disclosed.
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Translator: Willi Irawan, Resinta Sulistiyandari