Indonesia Lifts Palestinian Issues Through Cultural Paths, Not Just Formal Diplomacy

JAKARTA - Indonesia continues to show its commitment to supporting the struggle of the Palestinian people, not only through diplomatic channels, but also through cultural forces.

Minister of Culture Fadli Zon emphasized that culture can become a tool that touches human conscience more, reaching more broadly than just an official statement from the state.

He made this statement on Thursday, April 24 when he received a delegation from the International Forum for Cooperation and Dialogue (IFCD) at the office of the Ministry of Culture, Jakarta. During the meeting, Fadli highlighted the destruction not only on the physical aspects of Palestine, but also on the rich culture and heritage of civilization.

"What was damaged in Palestine was not only humans, but also cultural values of historical sites, works of art, and even artists were victims. We cannot remain silent," he said in front of a delegation from England, Turkey, Lebanon, Tunisia, Iraq, and Indonesia, as quoted by ANTARA.

As a newly formed ministry, the Ministry of Culture will prioritize cross-cultural dialogue as part of Indonesian cultural diplomacy. Fadli gave an example of the success of the Misykat Exhibition: Light of Indonesian Islamic Civilization at the National Museum, which according to him is a real illustration of how Islam is present peacefully through a cultural approach in the archipelago.

Furthermore, he emphasized the strategic role of museums and films as instruments of cultural diplomacy. The construction of the Indonesian Islamic Civilization Museum is one of the priorities, continuing similar initiatives such as the Nahdlatul Ulama Museum, Muhammadiyah Museum, and the Ocean Pasai Museum.

Support for this cultural approach also came from IFCD. Ahmad Al Rawi, Chair of the IFCD from England, emphasized that defending victims of cross-border and religious oppression is a moral obligation. He welcomed Indonesia's move to make culture a voice that prioritizes humanity.

Jazuli Juwaini as the host of IFCD-Indonesia welcomed the policy direction of the Ministry of Culture. According to him, cultural-based dialogue has the power to build empathy and a deeper understanding than diplomatic communication alone.

Fadli also told how during a state visit accompanying President Prabowo Subianto, he brought the Palestinian cultural issue as a form of solidarity with the destruction of cultural heritage in the conflict area.

The meeting closed with appreciation from Dr. Salahaddin Abdul Ibnus, an IFCD representative from Turkey, who appreciated Indonesia's attention to Palestinian history and art. He hopes that the narrative can be translated into various languages so that it can reach the global community.

In closing, Fadli invited the delegates to visit the Misykat Exhibition which is still ongoing at the National Museum, as clear evidence that Indonesia really uses culture as a bridge to peace.