1.737 Works from 30 Provinces, Indonesian Folk Tales Live Again in the Digital Era

JAKARTA - In the midst of children who are increasingly familiar with short videos and online games, folklore has not lost its place. A total of 1,737 works from 30 provinces were collected in the 2026 Indonesian Folklore Gala held by the Ministry of Culture.

The program involved 2,797 participants from various age groups. Starting from children, adolescents, parents, educators, the general public, to the inclusion group.

Participants send videos telling folk stories using mobile phones. The work is shared through social media and registered through the Indonesian Folk Story Gala website.

Minister of Culture Fadli Zon said that folk stories are an important part of Indonesia's oral tradition, but often receive little attention.

"That is why folklore is one of the most important cultural heritage, but sometimes it does not get enough attention," said Fadli at the 2026 Indonesian Folklore Gala Award Summit in Jakarta, Wednesday, June 24.

According to Fadli, folk tales contain values of life such as honesty, courage, generosity, and exemplary behavior. These values are passed down without having to be taught.

This participation figure is a capital for the Ministry of Culture to bring this program to the next stage. The government plans to develop it into a People's Story Movement in Indonesia.

Fadli invited storytellers, teachers, cultural activists, families, and communities to revive the tradition of storytelling in everyday life. The Ministry of Culture also encourages folk stories to develop into various forms of works. Starting from books, films, animations, comics, digital games, to art performances.

In 2027, this program will continue through GALA Indonesia Bercerita as a national movement of culture and nurturing based on stories.

At the peak of the appreciation, the six best participants from each category received awards directly handed over by the Minister of Culture.

From local legends to almost forgotten folk tales, thousands of these works show that folklore is still in demand. And, the government wants to bring the storytelling tradition closer to the generation that grew up with digital screens.