Invite the Private Sector to Participate in Museum Management, the Minister of Culture Says National Museum Visits Reach 700 Thousand

Fadli Zon menilai dukungan sektor nonpemerintah menjadi kunci agar warisan budaya Indonesia. (IST)

JAKARTA - The government has begun to open up a wider space for private collaboration in the management of museums and the preservation of cultural heritage. Minister of Culture Fadli Zon assessed that support from the non-governmental sector was the key to ensuring that Indonesian cultural heritage was not only maintained, but also alive and relevant.

This was conveyed by Minister of Culture Fadli in a meeting with the Museum and Cultural Heritage Patron Board at the Ministry of Culture's office, Jakarta, Friday, March 6, 2026.

According to Fadli, public interest in museums is starting to rise. One indicator can be seen at the National Museum, which now records around 700 thousand visitors per year. On weekends, the number of visitors can reach 10 thousand people, and even once reached 12,750 people in one day during long holidays.

"Collaboration between the government and the private sector is very important in strengthening the management of museums and the preservation of cultural heritage in Indonesia," said Menbud Fadli.

He also explained a number of major agendas for cultural preservation. The renovation of the National Museum area affected by the fire is planned to begin in June 2026 after the design is completed. At the same time, a number of restoration projects for historical sites continue, ranging from Plaosan Temple, Muara Jambi, installation of the chattra of Borobudur Temple, to support for Mount Padang Site. The government is also preparing the arrangement of a number of kratons starting in April 2026.

In the contemporary cultural sector, Fadli highlighted the national film industry. The market share of Indonesian films now reaches around 67 percent domestically. Indonesia will also return to the Venice Biennale 2026 by sending 14 artists.

Head of the Museum and Cultural Heritage Service Agency (MCB), Esty Nurjadin, reported that his agency is now managing 19 museums and 34 cultural heritages. Throughout 2025, MCB held various exhibitions and revitalization of sites, including Fort Rotterdam, Fort Marlborough, and improving the security system of the National Museum collection.

Chairman of the MCB Patron Board, Hashim Djojohadikusumo, assessed that the involvement of the private sector in the preservation of museums and cultural heritage is an important step. "Collaboration between the government and the private sector in the preservation of museums and cultural heritage is a very good thing," he said.

After that, members of the Board of Trustees and Chairman of the Lippo Group, James Riady, also expressed their appreciation. He assessed that this government's move was important to preserve Indonesia's history and intellectual heritage in the midst of globalization pressures. "I really appreciate the various efforts that have been made. Preservation of history and civilization is very important, especially in the current era of globalization," said James.

This meeting was also attended by a number of business figures who are members of the Patronage Council, including Sugianto Kusuma, Martin Hartono, and Anindya Bakrie.