Indonesia, A Cultural Superpower

Bali is once again on the world stage. The 2025 Culture, Heritage, Art, Narrative, Diplomacy, and Innovative (CHANDI) Forum, attended by delegates from 40 countries, emphasized one important point: Indonesia is not just a country rich in tradition, but a cultural superpower to be reckoned with on the global stage.

Indonesia holds a strategic position as a nation with mega-cultural diversity: 280 million people, more than 1,340 ethnicities, 718 regional languages, and 2,213 state-recognized intangible cultural heritages. "The principles of Bhinneka Tunggal Ika (Unity in Diversity), mutual cooperation, and deliberation are the foundation of harmony and a real contribution to world peace," said Minister of Culture Fadli Zon.

On one occasion, Minister Fadli also emphasized that the cultural and creative sector has formed a global ecosystem worth USD 4.3 trillion, or 6 percent of the global economy, creating 30 million jobs, the majority of which are supported by MSMEs and young people. In Indonesia, the real-world evidence is clear: cinemas recorded 122 million viewers in 2024, and batik exports increased 76 percent in the first quarter of 2025. This data positions the cultural industry as a key driver of the national economy.

Coordinating Minister for Human Development and Culture, Pratikno, added that artificial intelligence (AI) technology should strengthen cultural ties, not erode them. "Indonesia encourages AI governance that preserves language and culture. Bhinneka Tunggal Ika (Unity in Diversity) must be the foundation of a just and sustainable digital civilization," he said.

The Bali 2025 Declaration, which emerged from this forum, emphasized that culture now stands alongside political, economic, and global security issues. Delegates agreed that culture is a compass for the future in addressing the climate crisis, conflict, and inequality.

Foreign delegates also agreed. Zimbabwe's Minister of Home Affairs and Cultural Heritage, H.E. Kazembe, reminded them of the Ubuntu philosophy: "I exist because you exist." Meanwhile, Palestinian youth representative Jana Abusalha voiced the optimism of the younger generation: "Culture is a language across generations. Every song, dance, or festival amidst the crisis is our peaceful way of saying: we are here, and we will continue to be."

The most striking message from this forum was Indonesia's proposal: while superpowers fight with weapons, Indonesia is present with cultural diplomacy.

The Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Museum and Cultural Heritage, Hashim S. Djojohadikusumo, also emphasized the importance of investment in the cultural sector. In his speech, he expressed concern over the significant challenges facing Indonesia amidst the rapid flow of globalization, technology, and digital media. For more than a decade, Hashim admitted to having continually considered the close relationship between culture, identity, and the nation's future. "Indonesia has been a crossroads of world civilizations for thousands of years. But what we need is a bold strategy: not only preserving culture, but making it the main engine of the economy and diplomacy."

The momentum of CHANDI 2025 demonstrates this direction. Panglipuran Village was chosen as a symbol of the harmony between culture and nature. Workshops on keris (keris), angklung music, and batik-making sessions provided real-life experiences for delegates. Cultural cooperation agreements were signed from Libya, Syria, Jordan, and even the UK. Rwanda and Uzbekistan also joined the network.

Even UNESCO, as quoted on the official website of the Ministry of Education and Culture, openly called Indonesia a cultural superpower. This label is not empty talk, but rather global recognition of Indonesia's position.

CHANDI 2025 proves that diplomacy is no longer just about the negotiating table or trade. Culture is now a soft weapon capable of controlling the global narrative. And amidst the global struggle for influence, Indonesia is showing the way. A true superpower is not one with aircraft carriers or nuclear missiles, but a nation that offers harmony and peace through its ancestral heritage. In this regard, Indonesia stands at the forefront.