Fadli Zon Encourage Culture to Become an Engine of Economic Growth, Not Just a Heritage

JAKARTA - Minister of Culture Fadli Zon emphasized that culture should not only be seen as a heritage that is preserved. According to him, Indonesia's cultural wealth must be developed into a source of economic growth through the industrialization of culture and the utilization of intellectual property.

The statement was made by Fadli when attending the launch of the book Ruhut-Ruhut Adat Batak Toba in Jabodetabek which was published by the Batak Cultural Custom Center (LABB) at the Mpu Tantular University Auditorium, East Jakarta, Thursday, June 25.

Fadli said Indonesia has a very large cultural wealth. The nation's capital is not only natural resources such as coal, nickel, oil, and palm oil, but also cultural diversity.

"Culture is very broad. This is the extraordinary wealth we have. I call it mega diversity. Culture is a very important capital," said Fadli.

He said the Ministry of Culture wanted to make culture as an engine of growth or an engine of economic growth. One way is through the industrialization of culture which is based on the protection and development of intellectual property.

Fadli explained that Law Number 5 of 2017 considers culture to be much broader than art. In it there are 10 Objects of Cultural Development, including customs, languages, oral traditions, to manuscripts.

In the context of the Batak culture, according to him, these elements are a wealth that needs to continue to be documented and passed on to the next generation.

He appreciated the publication of the book Ruhut-Ruhut Adat Batak Toba in Jabodetabek because it was considered to be a guideline as well as a long-term documentation of adat.

Fadli also assessed that the Batak culture was able to adapt to the development of time without losing its basic values. He appreciated the implementation of the 3E concept, namely essential, effective, and efficient, in the implementation of the Batak Toba custom in the Jabodetabek area.

According to Fadli, cultural diversity is actually Indonesia's strength. He gave an example of the success of a Batak-themed film that was able to reach a very large number of viewers as proof that local culture can be accepted by the wider community.

The General Chair of the Mangaraja LABB Council, Pontas Sinaga, hopes that the book will be a bridge between the old and the young generations so that the Batak custom will continue to be understood as an identity and pride in the future.

The book Ruhut-Ruhut Adat Batak Toba in Jabodetabek is published as a guide to the implementation of Batak Toba customs in the Jabodetabek area which is adjusted to the dynamics of urban society without abandoning customary values.