Minister Of Culture Fadli Zon Emphasizes Government's Commitment To Making Culture A Development Foundation

SUMEDANG - Minister of Culture Fadli Zon emphasized that the government is committed to making culture the foundation of development. That's why the government formed the Ministry of Culture.

"So I want to quote first is that actually there is already a constitutional order regarding the matter of advancing national culture," said Fadli when speaking at the Second Wave Regional Head Retret at Balairung Rudini, Jatinangor Institute of Domestic Administration Campus (IPDN), Sumedang Regency, West Java, Tuesday (24/6/2025).

He explained that cultural values are useful as a moral and spiritual foundation in realizing the President's Asta Cita. According to him, all economic and technological advances will lose direction and meaning without rooted culture. For this reason, Fadli advised regional heads and deputy regional heads to strengthen leadership based on cultural values.

He emphasized that the task of advancing culture is not only owned by the central government, but also local governments. In addition, the role of the private sector is also needed so that cultural-based programs have advantages in terms of the economy. He gave an example of one of the regions that is able to optimize cultural roles to be known by foreign countries.

Just a few days ago I was invited by the Governor of Bali Pak Wayan Koster to open the Bali Arts Party. From the Bali Arts Party alone, we can see diversity in each regency/city, even in every of the smallest areas," he added.

Furthermore, Fadli explained, culture can play a role as a soft power for Indonesia's countries. Through this force, Indonesia can develop its influence from a cultural perspective. Fadli advised regional heads and deputy regional heads to pay serious attention to the field. Thus, in addition to being a vehicle for education for the community, culture is also expected to be a source of economic improvement in the region.

He gave an example of quite promising economic income from the cultural sector, namely the creative economy. This is reflected in the success of a number of local films that are of interest to the public.

"So this ecosystem is already alive and this is a very good promotional media for the region, for local culture because it is one of the most complete platforms for art," he said.