Minister of Culture Fadli Zon Supports the Encyclopedia of Nusantara Philosophy: There are Big Names, but They are Rarely Documented

JAKARTA - The Minister of Culture of the Republic of Indonesia, Fadli Zon, expressed support for the plan to write the Encyclopedia of Nusantara Philosophy, which was worked on by the Toeti Heraty Roosseno Foundation. In a meeting at the Ministry of Culture Office, Senayan, Jakarta, Tuesday, March 3, Fadli assessed that this project is important because writing about Indonesian philosophers is still rare, although their thought traces are part of the nation's cultural heritage.

"Indonesia actually has many great philosophers," said Fadli. He mentioned several names and figures across time such as Mpu Tantular, Sukarno, to Pramoedya Ananta Toer as examples of figures whose thoughts are worth studying, writing, and documenting so that they are not lost in the next generation.

Fadli emphasized that cultural homework is not only taking care of objects or rituals, but also uncovering the layers of ideas behind them. He encouraged philosophical studies on Indonesian cultural heritage, including intangible heritage that has been recorded by UNESCO. According to him, such studies will strengthen the identity as well as Indonesian cultural diplomacy at the global level.

He gave examples of kris, wayang, and batik which have deep philosophies. If written with a strong approach, readers not only know the shape, but understand the meaning. "For example, like batik, of course each motif also has its own philosophy that can be poured into a writing," he said.

The Ministry of Culture, said Fadli, is ready to support the compilation of the Encyclopedia of Nusantara Philosophy through the strengthening of cross-disciplinary academic networks and facilitating access to relevant sources.

Chairman of the Toeti Heraty Foundation Roosseno Migni Miriasandra Noerhadi hopes that this encyclopedia will strengthen the advancement of culture, from the development of noble values, enriching diversity, to becoming a reference for academics, students, and the public. "This encyclopedia is also expected to be a valuable reference," he said.

The meeting was attended by, among others, the Expert Staff of the Ministry of Culture Anindita Kusuma Listya, Special Staff for Cultural Diplomacy Annisa Rengganis, Director of Museums and History Agus Mulyana, and Director of Cultural Values Empowerment and KI Facilitation Yayuk Sri Budi Rahayu. From the foundation, the Director of Cemara 6 Gallery Inda Citraninda Noerhadi, , Chairman of the Editorial Team of the encyclopedia Tommy F Awuy, and the Team of Language and Literature Experts Titi Surti Nastiti.