JAKARTA - Minister of Culture (Menbud) Fadli Zon closed the series of working visits to Paris by visiting the Panthéon, one of the most important historical sites in France. The visit was used to see firsthand how France manages historical heritage, public memory spaces, and museums to stay alive in the eyes of the public.
Panthéon is not just an old building. This site is where France takes care of the collective memory of the nation. In that place, a number of great figures are buried, ranging from Voltaire, J.J. Rousseau, Victor Hugo, Émile Zola, to Marie Curie.
Fadli said that the management of sites such as the Panthéon provided an important lesson for Indonesia. According to the Minister, the historical space is not enough to be physically guarded. The narrative, the visitor's experience, and the way of conveying historical values must also be strengthened.
"This visit is an opportunity to learn how France manages historical sites as a space for public education, strengthening national identity, and cultural diplomacy," Fadli said in a written statement, Saturday, April 25.
He assessed that museums and cultural heritage sites in Indonesia need to be managed with a stronger approach. Not only a place to store collections, but also a space that is able to explain history in an interesting and easy way for the public to understand.
"This visit can enrich perspectives in strengthening museum governance and cultural heritage in Indonesia, especially in terms of narrative, interpretation, visitor experience, and utilization of heritage sites to remain relevant to the wider community," said Fadli.
A visit to the Panthéon is also part of strengthening Indonesian-French cultural cooperation. Fadli hopes that the exchange of knowledge in the management of museums, historical sites, and public memory spaces can continue to be expanded.
"I hope that exchanges of knowledge like this can further enrich our efforts in placing culture as the foundation of development, a source of learning, and a bridge for cooperation between nations," said Fadli.
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