Minister of Culture: Museum Regulation Bill is essential for governing museums

Jakarta — Indonesia’s Minister of Culture Fadli Zon has emphasised that a Museum Regulation Bill (RUU Permuseuman) is essential, as Indonesia currently lacks comprehensive legislation specifically governing museums.

“Indonesia needs clear regulations concerning museums. As a nation with megadiversity, we possess extraordinary artefacts, and museums are fundamentally spaces to showcase our precious treasures,” the Minister of Culture stated when confirmed in Jakarta on Monday.

Zon further noted that museums play a strategic role as centres of information, education, and culture that serve as showcases of a nation’s civilisation and heritage. Consequently, he argued that museums should be positioned as drivers of culture-based economic development, emphasising the importance of improving museum management quality, including proper exhibition standards, strengthening historical and cultural narratives, and developing professional expertise certifications for museum professionals in Indonesia.

“I hope museums can become showcases of Indonesian culture and civilisation, serving as centres of information, education, and culture, thereby contributing to advancing Indonesia’s national culture amid global civilisation,” he stated.

Meanwhile, Restu Gunawan, Director General of Cultural Protection and Traditions at the Ministry of Culture, reported that the study of the Museum Regulation Bill draft has been underway since early 2026. “The review of the Museum Regulation Bill draft has been conducted since the beginning of 2026. We are inviting various stakeholders to provide comprehensive input to develop a comprehensive 20 to 30-year plan for Indonesian museum development, including the development of digital museums,” he said.

According to Gunawan, this regulation is important for providing a scientific foundation whilst ensuring long-term relevance for museum development in Indonesia.

“The Museum Regulation Bill is about how this nation preserves its memories and collective cultural heritage. In this context, universities play a very strategic role, where academics, researchers, and students work daily with sources of knowledge about the past,” stated Untung Yuwono.

Through the formulation of this Museum Regulation Bill, the government hopes that museums in Indonesia will develop into knowledge spaces that are inclusive, innovative, and relevant to both current and future generations.