PWI asks the Minister of Culture to attend HPN 2026, Fadli Zon questions the role of the press in controlling the regional cultural ecosystem

Menbud Fadli Zon (Photo: Public Relations)

JAKARTA - The Indonesian Journalists Association (PWI) asked the Minister of Culture of the Republic of Indonesia Fadli Zon to attend and participate in the 2026 National Press Day (HPN) series. The request was conveyed in a meeting at the Ministry of Culture Building, Jakarta, Friday, February 6, ahead of the Cultural Dialogue scheduled to take place on February 8, 2026 in Serang, Banten, a day before the peak of HPN on February 9.

PWI Cultural Award Director Yusuf Susilo Hartono said the presence of the Minister of Culture is expected to give moral support for the advancement of culture in the region. He also explained the PWI Cultural Award 2026 plan, an award given to regional governments that are considered consistent in preserving local culture as well as to journalists who are actively monitoring and promoting regional culture.

"The PWI Cultural Award is a form of appreciation for regional heads who have a strong concern and commitment to culture. To date, as many as 58 regents and mayors in various regions have received the award," said Yusuf. According to him, regional leadership that understands culture determines the direction of preservation and development of local culture.

Fadli also explained that the central government encouraged the strengthening of the cultural ecosystem through a number of policies and programs, ranging from the Culture Special Allocation Fund (DAK), strengthening facilities, museum standardization, to the development of digital culture, regional films, traditional music, and talent management. He assessed that these programs would only have an impact if the local government had a similar commitment so that their implementation was optimal.

In the same discussion, Yusuf emphasized the improvement of the capacity of cultural journalists, including understanding of cultural promotion objects such as oral traditions, fine arts, performing arts, film, music, and literature. "Cultural journalists need to have substantive guidance and understanding in order to be able to write cultural issues appropriately, deeply, and responsibly," he said.

The meeting was also attended by the Jury of the PWI Cultural Award Nungki Kusumastuti, Special Staff to the Minister for Media and Public Communication M. Asrian Mirza, Head of the Public Information and Public Information Bureau Ibnu Hamad, and PWI management.

At the end of the meeting, Fadli stated that the Ministry of Culture was open to further collaboration and emphasized the synergy of the central government, local government, and the press to strengthen the national cultural ecosystem.