JAKARTA — Indonesian Minister of Culture Fadli Zon emphasized that culture is the most powerful weapon against corruption. He delivered this message while leading a Cultural Dinner as part of a series of SEAPAC (Southeast Asia Parliamentarians Against Corruption) meetings at the Benteng Vredeburg Museum in Yogyakarta on Thursday, August 21.
As President of SEAPAC for 2023–2025, Minister Fadli reminded that the world loses US$2.6 trillion, or 5 percent of global GDP, annually due to corruption. In Southeast Asia, 23 percent of citizens admit to having to pay bribes for public services, and 79 percent of businesspeople consider corruption a major obstacle to business. "Regional cooperation is no longer an option, but a necessity," he stressed.
Minister Fadli rejected the notion that corruption is rooted in culture. He argued that culture is actually the foundation of public integrity. "Cultural heritage, the arts, and creative industries are the infrastructure of integrity. Culture is not an add-on, but the foundation of good governance," he said.
The Fort Vredeburg Museum was chosen for a reason. Once a colonial fortress, it is now a center for historical dialogue, preserving more than 7,000 historical objects, from Prince Diponegoro to independence figures. "History, when preserved, will become the foundation for lifelong learning," said Minister of Culture Fadli.
He also emphasized two key narratives of Indonesia: as a megadiverse nation with 1,340 ethnic groups and 718 regional languages, and as an ancient civilization with traces of Homo erectus, the oldest cave paintings, and megalithic traditions.
The meeting was attended by parliamentary delegations from Malaysia, Cambodia, and Thailand, as well as representatives from the UNODC, UNFCCC, and Gadjah Mada University (UGM) academics. Several officials from the Ministry of Culture accompanied the Minister.
"Fighting corruption is a cultural and civilizational choice. What we pass on to our children, whether a future full of trust or not, is determined today," concluded Minister of Culture Fadli.
The English, Chinese, Japanese, Arabic, and French versions are automatically generated by the AI. So there may still be inaccuracies in translating, please always see Indonesian as our main language. (system supported by DigitalSiber.id)
