Ministry of Education Opens the Way for Cultural Diplomacy 2026, Prepares Global Cooperation
JAKARTA - The government has begun to confirm the direction of Indonesian cultural diplomacy 2026. Through the Indonesian Cultural Outlook 2026 forum, the Ministry of Culture emphasized that culture would be positioned as a strategic instrument for the country to respond to global conflicts, climate crises, and technological disruptions.
The forum, which was held on Monday (19/1), brought together the leadership of the Ministry of Culture with ambassadors of friendly countries, international organizations, and related ministries and institutions. The theme of Living Heritage, Shared Future was chosen to emphasize the role of culture as a glue for dialogue and cooperation across countries.
Minister of Culture Fadli Zon stated that in the midst of a world that is increasingly fragmented, culture is actually the foundation of global stability.
"Culture is an adhesive element to prevent polarization, maintain dialogue, and build a sense of togetherness between countries," said Fadli.
He emphasized that the direction of Indonesian culture is in line with the global consensus which places culture as a human right and the foundation of peace and sustainable development.
In the forum, the Ministry of Culture set five national direction pillars for 2026, namely the foundation of civilization based on the 1945 Constitution; integrated cultural governance based on data and digital; cultural economy as a strategic resource; protection of dynamic and resilient cultural heritage; and strengthening digital transformation and global cultural diplomacy.
The government also explained the action plan for the next year, including international cultural diplomacy, repatriation, strengthening regional and cross-regional cooperation, strengthening museums and historical literacy, and developing film and music as strategic cultural industries.
Through this forum, the Ministry of Culture targets the birth of concrete and measurable cultural cooperation commitments, as well as strengthening Indonesia's position in global cultural diplomacy.