Minister Of Culture Fadli Zon Affirms Cultural Genocide In Palestine, Calls For Global Cultural Diplomacy

Fadli Zon called for the termination of cultural genocide in Gaza. (IST)

JAKARTA - Minister of Culture Fadli Zon called the destruction of cultural sites in Gaza a form of cultural genocide. He called for the importance of cultural diplomacy as a bridge to peace in a world that is increasingly multipolar and full of conflict.

The statement was made by Fadli at the Congress of the Minister of Culture of Islamic World Countries (Congress of Ministers of Culture of the Islamic World) which was held in Kazan, Republic of Tatarstan, Russia, Thursday, May 15, 2025. This event is part of the Kazan Forum with the theme Russia and Islamic World, which aims to strengthen economic, trade and cultural cooperation between Russia and Islamic countries.

In a forum attended by Ministers of Culture from 18 countries, representatives of ICESCO, OKI, and the Arab League, Fadli expressed deep concern over the destruction of more than 100 cultural sites in Gaza since October 2023. He called it a war crime.

"What happened in Gaza is not only human genocide, but also cultural genocide. This is the destruction of the identity of the nation, civilization, and cultural heritage. The world must not be silent," said Minister ofbud Fadli in a written statement received in Jakarta, Thursday, May 15.

Menbud Fadli also mentioned the establishment of the Ministry of Culture by President Prabowo Subianto as a strategic step to strengthen Indonesia's position in global cultural regulations. He called cultural diplomacy an important strategy to build peace and cross-border cooperation.

"This meeting is a momentum to strengthen cultural solidarity between Islamic countries and fight for justice through cultural diplomacy," said Fadli in front of the forum.

The closing, Menbud Fadli invited all congress participants to attend the World Culture Forum 2025 which will be held in Bali, next September. The forum will be a stage for world cultural collaboration, as well as evidence that cultural diplomacy is capable of becoming the foundation of global peace.

If the culture of a nation (Gaza) is destroyed, then its identity will also be destroyed. This is the time for us to unite to make culture a power to create a peaceful, just and inclusive world for future generations," concluded Menbud Fadli Zon.