Fadli Zon: Campus Must Lead the Agenda for Cultural Development

SURABAYA - The Minister of Culture of the Republic of Indonesia, Fadli Zon, emphasized that universities must lead the agenda for the advancement of culture, not just be spectators. The campus, he said, needs to go down directly to strengthen research, literacy, and a cultural ecosystem that has an impact on society.

The statement was made by the Minister of Culture (Menbud) Fadli when attending the Studium Generale of the University of Muhammadiyah Surabaya (UMSurabaya), part of the Baitul Arqam Mahasiswa 2026, at the At-Tauhid Tower Building, Surabaya Saturday, February 21. This forum raised the theme "Vision and Strategy for the Advancement of Islamic Culture in Indonesia".

Fadli highlighted the size of Indonesia's cultural capital. He said that wealth includes languages, oral traditions, manuscripts, customs, rituals, traditional knowledge, local food, traditional games, and art.

"With more than 17,000 islands, about 1,340 ethnic groups, and hundreds of regional languages, Indonesia is called a country with megadiversity of culture," said Menbud Fadli. According to him, this capital makes Indonesia potentially a center of world culture.

He also emphasized the pattern of Indonesian cultural history which was not built through major clashes. Fadli assessed that Islam entered peacefully and embraced traditions. Formal forms can change, but the essence is still maintained.

In the context of tolerance, Menbud Fadli gave an example of Hindu-Buddhist heritage sites that have been maintained until now, such as Borobudur, Prambanan, Mendut, and Plaosan. He said the tradition of taking care of cultural heritage was the reason why Islam was easily accepted in the archipelago.

Menbud Fadli emphasized that cultural development requires cross-party work. The central government, regions, universities, students, private sector, and the community must work together. He encouraged culture to become an economic force through cultural economy and cultural industry. In addition, culture is also referred to as an instrument of diplomacy and a builder of national identity.

UMSurabaya Rector Mundakir introduced the new campus identity with the tagline "Home of Champions". This tagline replaces "Campus of a Million Innovations". Mundakir said the orientation of the campus was directed so that students and alumni become champions in their respective fields, from academics to athletes. "Every process here is to become a champion," said Mundakir.