Menbud Fadli Zon: Cultural Dialogue As A Foundation For Maintaining Identity And Diversity In The Multipolar World

JAKARTA - In a plenary session of the Congress of the Minister of Culture of Islamic World Countries or Congress of Ministers of Ministers of Culture of the Islamic World which was held in Kazan, Republic of Tatarstan, Republic of the Russian Federation on Thursday, May 15, 2025, Minister of Culture Fadli Zon conveyed ideas and views on the importance of cultural dialogue as the basis for maintaining national identity and strengthening diversity in a world that is increasingly multipolar in the midst of conflict and war.

This congress was held on the sidelines of the Kazan Forum's activities, with the theme "Russia and Islamic World", aimed at strengthening Russia's friendly relations with Islamic states through cooperation in the fields of economy, culture and trade. In his remarks, Menbud Fadli Zon thanked the Minister of Culture of the Russian Federation, His Majesty Olga Lyubimova as the host of this activity.

Present at this congress representatives of the Islamic World Education Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), League of Arab States, and Minister of Culture from 18 Islamic countries.

"This meeting is an important momentum to strengthen cultural solidarity between Islamic countries and fight for justice, dignity, and peace through cultural diplomacy bridges. I share Indonesia's experience as a country with a variety of cultural, religious and ethnic diversity but still united in the unity of unity that upholds cultural values for peace such as mutual cooperation and deliberation," said Minister Fadli Zon.

Representing the Government of Indonesia, Minister Fadli Zon said that the formation of the Ministry of Culture is a tangible manifestation of President Prabowo Subianto's commitment to advancing Indonesian culture in the midst of world civilization. In this case, the Ministry of Culture focuses on efforts to strengthen friendship with friendly countries through cultural dialogue bridges for peace, as was done through the meeting of the Cultural Ministers of the Islamic World Countries.

"As a country with the largest Muslim population in the world and has a variety of cultural diversity, we should be proud that Indonesia has an important role in strengthening the global narrative about the importance of tolerance and unity as a foundation in realizing lasting peace. Menbud also conveyed about the spirit of Bhinneka Tunggal Ika Unity in Diversity as a key principle in building religious harmony and moderation in Indonesia. Responding to the situation in Palestine, Minister Fadli Zon emphasized the need for protection against cultural heritage and condemned various attacks on cultural heritage, especially in Gaza, which has suffered severe damage to more than 100 cultural sites since October 2023. He called the action a form of cultural genocide. "What happens in Gaza is not only a crime of humanity, but also a genocide of a culture that is inhumane. The destruction of the identity of a nation, its civilization, and also its various cultural heritages is a form of war crime that we must respond collectively. Indonesia continues, and will always voice support for Palestinian independence and be ready to contribute to realizing a more just, inclusive, and civilized global order through cultural diplomacy," said Minister Fadli Zon.

On this occasion, Minister Fadli Zon invited congressional participants to attend the 2025 World Culture Forum initiated by the Ministry of Culture in Bali, next September, as a forum to strengthen global cultural collaboration through a bridge of diplomacy. In his closing speech, Minister Fadli Zon emphasized that when a nation's culture is attacked, the identity of society becomes weak. Therefore, he invites all countries to take advantage of cultural forces in building a more peaceful, fair and inclusive world for future generations