Minister of Culture Fadli Zon : Indonesia Boosts Cultural Diplomacy

Summary

The Indonesian Minister of Culture discussed the country’s efforts to promote its rich cultural heritage globally, including UNESCO recognitions like Kabaya Kang and Rogo. He highlighted international collaborations, cultural exchange programs, and support for Indonesian arts, music, and films. The Ministry’s work includes the return of cultural heritage objects and initiatives to involve local communities and artists as ambassadors of Indonesian culture. Looking to the future, Indonesia aims to become a global cultural superpower, with a long-term vision of enhancing cultural diplomacy and leveraging its diverse heritage for national development and global influence.

Takeaways

• 😀 Indonesia's extraordinary diversity includes its people, languages, and culture, and the Ministry of Culture is dedicated to promoting and protecting intangible cultural heritage.
• 😀 Indonesia's recognition by UNESCO of various cultural treasures, like Kabaya Kang and Sogo, strengthens the nation's cultural diplomacy.
• 😀 The Ministry of Culture leverages international recognition to promote Indonesian heritage through cultural forums, festivals, and educational programs across the globe.
• 😀 The Ministry collaborates with Indonesian communities abroad, such as in Brunei, Malaysia, Singapore, and Thailand, to spread Indonesian culture internationally.
• 😀 Indonesia engages in cultural diplomacy by supporting international programs and promoting the global recognition of Indonesian films, music, and traditional arts.
• 😀 The country actively works on the return of cultural heritage objects, with recent repatriation efforts bringing 828 objects back from the Netherlands.
• 😀 Local communities, artists, and cultural ambassadors play a key role in preserving, sharing, and promoting Indonesia's cultural legacy worldwide.
• 😀 Indonesia's cultural diplomacy is also supported by the active role of foreign ministries and embassies, helping to build international partnerships for the promotion of Indonesian culture.
• 😀 The goal is for Indonesia to become a global cultural superpower, utilizing its diversity and cultural wealth as a foundation for international influence.
• 😀 As Indonesia's Ministry of Culture works closely with educational institutions globally, the country aims to integrate Indonesian culture into curriculums and academic exchanges.
• 😀 The vision for Indonesia’s future includes being recognized as the cultural capital of the world, owing to its rich history and ongoing cultural preservation efforts.

Q & A

How does the Indonesian Ministry of Culture use UNESCO recognitions like Kabaya Kang and Rogo to promote Indonesian culture globally?

The Ministry leverages these UNESCO recognitions by promoting them in international forums, exhibitions, and cultural festivals. They collaborate with communities in countries like Brunei, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, Japan, and the Netherlands, and engage in cultural exchange programs to showcase Indonesian heritage.

What are some examples of international cultural programs that Indonesia participates in?

Indonesia participates in several cultural exchange programs, such as international exhibitions, artist residencies, and collaborations with educational institutions worldwide. They also have cultural festivals in countries like Japan and the Netherlands, and their cooperation with educational institutions globally helps introduce Indonesian language and culture.

What role do Indonesian universities play in promoting the country’s culture internationally?

Indonesian universities partner with foreign institutions to teach Indonesian language and culture. Examples include collaborations with universities in Uzbekistan, Australia, and the UK, where Indonesian language courses are offered, helping to promote cultural understanding and preserve heritage abroad.

How does the Ministry of Culture support the Indonesian film industry as part of its cultural diplomacy efforts?

The Ministry supports Indonesian films by promoting them globally, showcasing movies like *The Raid* and *Gundala* in international film festivals. These films serve as cultural ambassadors for Indonesia, demonstrating its rich cultural traditions through media.

What is the significance of the Ministry’s collaboration with the Indonesian diaspora in promoting Indonesian culture?

The Ministry works with the Indonesian diaspora as cultural ambassadors to promote Indonesia’s heritage abroad. By engaging these communities, the Ministry ensures a global presence for Indonesian culture and strengthens cultural ties with other nations.

How has the Ministry of Culture collaborated with the Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs on repatriating cultural artifacts?

The Ministry of Culture has worked with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to repatriate 828 cultural heritage items from the Netherlands. They aim to continue this collaboration with other countries like the UK, India, and Germany to ensure the safe return of Indonesian cultural heritage.

What are some of the ongoing efforts to preserve and protect Indonesia's intangible cultural heritage?

The Ministry of Culture is actively working with local communities to preserve and protect intangible cultural heritage. They also plan to submit more cultural elements for UNESCO recognition, such as Tempe Tenon, Golok with Single Nomination, and Maj Calligraphy, to further safeguard Indonesia’s cultural heritage.

What is the Ministry of Culture’s long-term vision for Indonesia in terms of cultural diplomacy?

The Ministry envisions Indonesia becoming a global cultural superpower, positioning itself as the cultural capital of the world. This vision includes promoting Indonesia’s rich diversity, traditions, and heritage as a source of unity, development, and global influence.

What is the role of local communities and artists in supporting Indonesia's cultural diplomacy?

Local communities and artists are essential to Indonesia’s cultural diplomacy. They act as ambassadors, preserving and sharing cultural knowledge, and participating in international events, collaborations, and exhibitions to showcase Indonesia's heritage globally.

How does Indonesia's prehistoric heritage contribute to its cultural identity and diplomacy?

Indonesia's prehistoric heritage, such as the discovery of *Homo erectus* fossils, is an integral part of its cultural identity. The Ministry celebrates this history, highlighting Indonesia’s role as one of the world’s oldest civilizations, which adds to its narrative as a hub for global culture and historical significance.