Public Lecture At Syiah Kuala University, Menbud Asks Students To Take Care Of Culture In The Digital Age

BANDA ACEH Minister of Culture Fadli Zon emphasized the role of students as digital cultural agents when delivering a public lecture at Syiah Kuala University, Banda Aceh, Monday (24/11). The public lecture with the theme Caring for Diversity and Strengthening the Cultural Ecosystem in the Digital Age is part of the 2025 Aceh Indonesian Cultural Movement (GAYAIN) series.

In his presentation, Fadli highlighted the rich culture of Aceh which has a long track record, including the Saman Dance recognized by UNESCO on November 24, 2011. He emphasized the importance of cultural research, especially cultural materials such as numerism. I collected the Ocean Pasai coin. During the time of Sultan Ahmad Az-Zahir, gold coins with fire had been made. The tradition continued until the Sultanate of Aceh Darussalam, "he said.

Menbud Fadli also encouraged innovation in the cultural industry through museums. He gave an example of MOMA in New York and Louvre in Paris, where 50 percent of museum revenue comes from merchandise sales. Indonesia can develop similar models to strengthen the cultural ecosystem and creative industry," he added.

Deputy Chancellor III of Syiah Kuala University, Prof. Mustanir, expressed the readiness of the campus to synergize with the Ministry of Culture. According to him, Aceh since the Sultanate period is a cultural laboratory' that combines Islamic values, local traditions, and openness to change.

This event was attended by the Mayor of Banda Aceh Illiza Sa'aduddin Djamal, the Chairman of the Gerindra faction of the Aceh DPR Abdurrahman Ahmad, and officials from the Ministry of Culture.

Closing a public lecture, Fadli asked students to actively maintain culture by utilizing technology. Our challenge is to defend our identity in the midst of globalization. Use social media to become a cultural agent," said Fadli.