Menbud Fadli Zon Affirms The Importance Of Preventing Illegal Trade Of Cross-State Cultural Objects

Minister of Culture Fadli Zon emphasized the importance of protecting cultural heritage objects. (IST)

JAKARTA The illegal trade of cross-border cultural objects continues to be a serious threat to the sustainability of Indonesia's cultural heritage. The rise of smuggling historical objects abroad has prompted the government to increase supervision and law enforcement. For this reason, the Ministry of Culture together with the Directorate General of Customs and Excise of the Ministry of Finance held a Workshop on Prevention and Law Enforcement of the Movement of Cross-State Cultural Objects.

Minister of Culture Fadli Zon emphasized the importance of cross-sectoral cooperation in protecting cultural objects from illegal trade. "Supervision at the border and the entrance and exit of the country is crucial. A close collaboration between the Ministry of Culture and related ministries and institutions is the key to success in this effort," said Fadli Zon in his online remarks, Thursday, February 27.

He also invited all workshop participants to actively discuss, share experiences, and draw concrete steps to ensure cultural objects remain sustainable for future generations. According to him, this synergy also contributes to welcoming Indonesia Gold 2045, where the cultural sector plays a strategic role.

This workshop was attended by representatives of the relevant ministries and law enforcement officials. The activity agenda includes the presentation of issues of trading illegal cultural objects, policies and technical supervision procedures, to discussion of mapping problems and drafting policy recommendations.

The Directorate General of Customs and Excise represented by Kunto Prasti Trenggono from the Directorate of Enforcement and Investigation emphasized that continuous synergy is needed to realize more effective supervision.

The Ministry of Culture targets this workshop to be able to produce integrated surveillance strategies, standard operational procedures in handling cases of illegal trade in cultural objects, as well as strengthening inter-ministerial cooperation and legal apparatus. In addition, this activity is expected to identify obstacles in the field and formulate concrete solutions in the protection of cross-border cultural objects.