Partnering with Dompet Dhuafa, the Minister of Culture Promotes Human Empowerment Based on Culture

The Minister of Culture of the Republic of Indonesia, Fadli Zon, encourages the strengthening of human empowerment based on culture through collaboration with Dompet Dhuafa (Doc. Ministry of Culture)

JAKARTA - The Minister of Culture of the Republic of Indonesia, Fadli Zon, encourages the strengthening of human empowerment based on culture through collaboration with Dompet Dhuafa. The encouragement was conveyed during an audience at Building E of the Ministry of Culture, Senayan, Jakarta, Thursday (8/1).

Fadli emphasized that culture is not just art, but a value that drives local wisdom and is embedded in people's lives. According to him, strengthening culture can be the foundation for human empowerment as well as a driver of the local economy. "Culture is a booster. Local wisdom that is already alive needs to be reactivated so that it has a real impact on the community," he said.

He gave an example of strengthening the pencak silat ecosystem in Cimande which was developed through competitions and cultural festivals, including a learning program for students during the holiday season. This model is considered capable of combining cultural preservation with public participation and local economy.

In addition to the cultural ecosystem, Fadli highlighted the use of cultural heritage sites as a source of added value. The restoration of Mount Padang, West Java, he said, opened up opportunities for the growth of MSMEs, culinary, and supporting services so that the economic benefits could be felt by the surrounding residents.

In response to this, the initiator and Chairman of the Dompet Dhuafa Board of Trustees, Parni Hadi, considered culture to be an effective instrument of empowerment. He emphasized the role of clean culture and healthy culture in improving the independence and welfare of the community.

This audience marks the exploration of cooperation between the Ministry of Culture and Dompet Dhuafa to integrate humanitarian programs with cultural development. This cross-sector collaboration is expected to expand social impact, strengthen local wisdom, and encourage sustainable welfare.