JAKARTA - Culture has a unique strength in building peace. More than just historical heritage, culture can be an effective diplomatic tool for a soft power that encourages dialogue, mutual understanding, and reconciliation between nations.
In the midst of the ongoing global conflict, a culture-based approach offers an inclusive and sustainable peaceful path. Indonesia views through cultural promotion, cross-border collaboration, and preservation of human values, the world can move towards a more tangible and meaningful peace.
In this spirit, Culture Minister Fadli Zon emphasized the importance of utilizing culture as a soft force to support peace efforts and stop cultural genocide that is taking place in Palestine.
"Through strategic diplomacy, promotion, and cultural collaboration, we want to make culture a bridge for peace, dialogue, and cooperation at bilateral, regional and multilateral levels," said Fadli as quoted by ANTARA.
Fadli Zon highlighted the importance of Indonesia's presence in international forums such as UNESCO to voice the values of equality, justice, and protection against cultural heritage, especially those now threatened with extinction in Palestine due to prolonged conflict.
In commemoration of The 77th Commemoration of Nakba Day with the theme "Palestine lots to Palestinians and We Will Never Leave", Fadli invited the entire nation to reflect on the humanitarian tragedy that began 77 years ago, when more than 700.000 Palestinians were expelled from their homeland in 1948.
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"Tragisnya, hingga hari ini, rakyat Palestina masih mengalami repression dan pelanggaran berat terhadap hak asasi mereka," tambahnya.
The Minister of Culture also revealed that since the brutal attack that began on October 7, 2023, more than 50,000 Palestinians have lost their lives as a result of Israeli aggression. Not only that, he highlighted another aspect that is often neglected in this conflict, namely cultural genocide.
"I convey that the Russian Islamic World Kazan Forum for the destruction of Palestinian cultural identity is a form of real cultural genocide," said Fadli.
Data from UNESCO as of April 2025 shows that at least 102 cultural sites have been damaged since the attacks began, including religious sites, historic buildings, museums, monuments, and archaeological sites.
In front of the guests present, Fadli emphasized that cultural preservation is not just a matter of maintaining past heritage, but also about maintaining the right of a nation to stay alive with its own identity.
Meanwhile, the Palestinian Ambassador to Indonesia, Dr. Zuhair SM Al-Shun, in his remarks expressed his gratitude for Indonesia's consistent support for the Palestinian people's struggle.
"Indonesia has always stood with us in this struggle. Thank you for all forms of support and help. God willing, Palestine will be independent, and we will all be able to return to foot on its land," Ambassador Zuhair ended his statement with full hope of confidence.
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