Fadli Zon: Ministry Of Culture Becomes The Pillar Of Indonesian Diplomacy 'Pacific

GORONTALO The government shows a strong commitment to national culture by establishing the Ministry of Culture as an independent institution for the first time in Indonesian history. This step marks a major change in the direction of cultural policy from just preservation to active cultural diplomacy.

"For the first time in Indonesia's history after 79 years, the government established a standalone Ministry of Culture. This is a manifestation of President Prabowo Subianto's commitment to the importance of culture as a national identity development and strengthening the national cultural industry," said Culture Minister Fadli Zon while attending the Bajau Cultural Expression activity in the Framework of the Republic of Indonesia, from Boalemo Towards Indonesia's Pacific Cultural Synergy in Boalemo, Wednesday, October 15.

According to Fadli, Indonesia is now moving to strengthen the role of culture as a strategic force to strengthen national unity as well as expand diplomatic networks with Pacific countries. Bajau culture is the wealth of the Nusantara maritime. They have a stage house for Lepa-lepa, a tradition of sailing Bapongka, and a sea ritual arrives, a pina arrives, and a guest arrives. All of that shows the spirituality and ecological wisdom of coastal communities," he explained.

Fadli assessed that Indonesian maritime culture has strong historical roots with Pacific civilization. Through the Indonesia 'Pacific Cultural Synergy program, the government wants to build cultural diplomacy with countries such as Papua New Guinea, Vanuatu, Fiji, Kiribati, Tonga, and Naru.

"We want to embrace Pacific countries whose ancestors come from the archipelago. This is cultural diplomacy that affects the values and civilizations of our old and noble to the world," he stressed.

As a form of concrete support, the government has also strengthened the Abadi Culture Fund to support artists, studios, and cultural communities in various regions, including Gorontalo and Boalemo. The public can access these funds to propose a cultural promotion program.

Fadli closed his remarks with an invitation to collaborate across regions. "The Ministry of Culture is ready to work together to strengthen the cultural ecosystem, increase people's capacity, and revive traditional cultural expressions with a modern touch," he said.

This step confirms that culture is now a strategic pillar in Indonesia's national development and diplomacy in the Pacific region.