PSBI Strategic Partners For The Progress Of Batak Culture, Kemenbud Gives Support

Minister of Culture, Fadli Zon (Doc. Kemenbud)

JAKARTA - Minister of Culture of the Republic of Indonesia, Fadli Zon, emphasized the government's commitment to support the Punguan Simbolon dohot Boruna Indonesia (PSBI) as a strategic partner in the promotion of national culture. The statement was made while attending the National Working Meeting (Rakernas) and the celebration of PSBI's 18th Anniversary at the Pondok Indah Golf Course Ballroom, Jakarta, Monday, July 7, 2025.

In front of around 700 PSBI members, Minister Fadli emphasized the importance of synergy between countries and the cultural community. I am proud to be present in the midst of the PSBI extended family. Culture is a soft power that we need to build together. The Ministry of Culture is ready to become PSBI's strategic partner," he said.

Fadli called PSBI the largest Batak organization that consistently maintains and develops cultural heritage. "PSBI is full of cultural values. This is in accordance with the mandate of the 1945 Constitution Article 32 paragraph 1 which mandates the promotion of national culture in the midst of world civilization," he added.

He also highlighted the unmatched potential of Indonesian culture. From Sabang to Merauke, we have a wealth of art, music, traditional fabrics, and theaters. I have gone to 101 countries, nothing like Indonesia," he said.

Minister Fadli invited PSBI to jointly encourage the globalization of Indonesian culture. We must create an Indonesia Wave so that the world recognizes our civilization. The ancient painting in Maros, South Sulawesi, which is more than 51 thousand years old is proof of an extraordinary ancient civilization," he said.

He also reminded us of the mandate of the Law on the Advancement of Culture Number 5 of 2017. This law orders us not only to protect, but also to develop, foster, and utilize culture, including Batak culture, as part of everyday life," he said.

The PSBI 2025 National Working Meeting was attended by administrators from 156 regions, including representatives from California, United States, as well as representatives of 677 sectors. This forum is the evaluation room for the 2022-2025 work program and the preparation of the 2026 agenda, such as the Colossal Batak Indigenous & Cultural Party, Batak Music Center, and National Music Performance.

PSBI General Chair, Effendi Simbolon, expressed his gratitude for the presence of the officials. "We are grateful that the Ministers are here. Short but meaningful," he said.

The Coordinating Minister for Regional Infrastructure and Development, Agus Harimurti Yudhoyono, also gave his appreciation. "Only in Indonesia can we gather with different backgrounds in a positive spirit. PSBI can become a development agent in North Sumatra," said Agus.

The Minister of Creative Economy, Teuku Riefky Harsya, emphasized the opportunities for the Batak culture-based creative economy. PSBI is able to encourage local culture to become a national and even global creative industry. We are ready to collaborate to promote Samosir's potential," he said.

The event closed with the handover of ulos and the cutting of the cone. Also present were the Director General of Cultural Protection, Restu Gunawan, Director of Cultural Heritage, I Made Dharma Suteja, and the Regent of Central Tapanuli, Masinton Pasaribu.

Minister Fadli hopes that collaboration will be closer. A big nation is a nation that respects its culture. Hopefully this collaboration will further strengthen Indonesian culture," he concluded.