G20 Culture Minister Meeting, Fadli Zon Calls For Cultural Artifact Repatriation

Minister of Culture, Fadli Zon (Ministry of Culture)

JAKARTA - The Indonesian Minister of Culture, Fadli Zon, called for the importance of repatriating cultural artifacts as a step to restore historical justice in the meeting of the cultural ministers of the G20 countries in Salvador and Bahia, Brazil. In his statement, he emphasized that the return of artifacts to his home country was a moral responsibility that was not only crucial to improve historical injustice, but also to strengthen international unity and appreciation for the cultural heritage of each nation.

"Repatriation is not just returning historical objects to their home countries, but also concrete steps to restore a complete and authentic representation of a cultural heritage," said Fadli. This is important to improve past injustice, and deepen joint appreciation for cultural values.

In front of the cultural ministers of G20 countries, Fadli also emphasized that support for repatriation of cultural artifacts must be done to improve global cultural integrity. Returning artifacts that have been looted to their home countries is an ongoing effort to preserve culture, it is important to build a sense of shared ownership, strengthen understanding between cultures, and create a more just and inclusive global cultural heritage landscape. I invite all G20 countries to support and fight for repatriation, see it as an important investment in maintaining cultural integrity and international unity," said Fadli.

In addition, as part of a commitment to upholding cultural rights, Fadli calls on G20 countries to join in joint efforts to protect cultural diversity. Indonesia is committed to the principle of inclusion, social participation, and accessibility, as well as ensuring a conducive environment where every cultural expression can be valued and protected. He also emphasized the need for international cooperation to ensure that technology, including artificial intelligence (AI), supports preservation and respect for cultural diversity, not threatens its sustainability.

In this forum, Fadli also introduced the newly formed Ministry of Culture of Indonesia in the Red and White Cabinet. This ministry aims to make culture the core of Indonesia's national development and global contribution. Through this ministry, we want to ensure that culture is not only preserved, but also promoted as a tool for diplomacy and international collaboration," he explained.

This meeting resulted in a mutual agreement with the cultural ministers of the G20 countries to increase investment in cultural policies with a focus on four main priorities: i) cultural diversity and social inclusion; ii) the digital environment and copyright; iii) the creative economy; and iv) preservation, protection, and promotion of cultural heritage and memory.