CHANDI 2025: Menbud Fasdli Zon Latang Talks Palestine

Menbud Fadli Zon at the 2025 CHANDI event (Doc. Kemenbud)

JAKARTA - The Minister of Culture of the Republic of Indonesia, Fadli Zon, said that the Palestinian people are facing cultural genocide'. According to him, the aggression that destroys Gaza is not only killing humans, but also destroying identity and civilization.

"What is currently taking place is not just genocide against a nation, but also genocide against culture and civilization," said Fadli when meeting the Minister of Palestine Culture, Imad Abdullah Saleem Hamdan, on the sidelines of the Culture forum, Heritage, Art, Narrative, Diplomacy, and Innovation (CHANDI) 2025 at The Meru, Denpasar, Bali, Wednesday, September 3.

Menbud Fadli emphasized Indonesia's stance to stand strong with Palestine. Support is not only political and diplomatic, but also through cultural diplomacy. He considered that cultural conservation is an effective way to maintain historical memory as well as humanitarian solidarity.

During the bilateral meeting, the two ministers signed a Letter of Intent on Culture. This document paved the way for concrete cooperation: joint cultural projects, exchange of cultural heritage knowledge, to festival programs, recognition of artists, workshops, and translation of Palestinian literary works.

Minister Imad said Indonesia's support was very important in the midst of systematic efforts to erase the identity of its nation. "They are trying to erase our culture, but our identity cannot be eliminated," he said.

The two parties also discussed plans to organize an international forum on cultural genocide in Gaza, the promotion of Palestinian art products in Indonesia, as well as Palestinian cultural weeks in various cities.

Menbud Fadli stated that Indonesia was ready to realize all proposals. "This is not just a matter of culture, but about solidarity, about voicing humanity through cultural language," he said.

This meeting marks a new chapter of Indonesia's cooperation in the field of culture as well as reinforces Indonesia's position in the global struggle to defend Palestinian independence.