Cultural Heritage Becomes Development Foundation, Minister Of Culture And DPD RI Agree To Strengthen Cultural Advancement

JAKARTA - The government emphasizes the position of cultural heritage as the foundation of national development. This was discussed in a working meeting between the Minister of Culture Fadli Zon and the Indonesian DPD Committee III at the DPD RI Building, Jakarta, Wednesday, May 7.

The meeting chaired by Deputy Chair I Committee III of the DPD RI, Dailami Firdaus, discussed the strategy for protecting the archipelago culture and the 2025 cultural promotion priority program in all provinces.

Dailami said that until 2024, Indonesia had 2,213 Intangible Cultural Heritage and 228 National Cultural Heritage. Six cultural sites have been recognized by UNESCO. He emphasized the importance of cultural education so that cultural heritage is not only preserved but also has an economic impact.

Menbud Fadli Zon emphasized the direction of his ministry which focuses on three main directorates: traditional protection, cultural diplomacy, and cultural development. He explained programs such as revitalizing local traditions, digital culture, diplomacy, repatriation of historical objects from abroad, restoring sites, to building cultural houses.

Fadli also highlighted the Indonesian film ecosystem which is increasingly active in global forums, including the Cannes Film Festival. Support is provided through Dana Indonesiana, which this year is allocated IDR 300 465 billion. This fund supports films, music, pop culture, to performance traditions and arts.

A number of DPD members expressed their aspirations. Dedi Iskandar Batubara, a member of the North Sumatra Dapil DPD, encouraged the synergy of the regional centers so that cultural preservation is not a formality. Hasby Yusuf Dapil North Maluku wants a concrete partnership between ministries and regions.

Meanwhile, Destita Khairilisani (Bengkulu) emphasized the importance of local cultural retradition. Denty Eka Widi Pratiwi (Central Java) asked attention to cultural heritage buildings that function for education such as SMPN 6 Salatiga. Rai Mantra (Bali) encourages wider promotion of Balinese culture and accelerates the Regional Language Bill.

This meeting was also attended by the main officials of the Ministry of Culture. As a result, the DPD and the Ministry are committed to strengthening cultural conservation, public activation, digitizing collections, developing human resources, and accelerating the implementation of programs in the regions.