Minister Of Culture Fadli Zon: From The UN Podium, President Prabowo Voices Civilization And Culture As The Power Of The Nation

President of the Republic of Indonesia, Prabowo Subianto, his inaugural speech at the 80th UN General Assembly Session. (Photo: Laily Rachev/Biro Press of the Presidential Secretariat)

JAKARTA - The Minister of Culture of the Republic of Indonesia, Fadli Zon, expressed his full appreciation and emphasized that President Prabowo Subianto's speech at the 80th UN General Assembly in New York on Tuesday (23/09/2025) night had put Indonesia in an important position on the world stage. The speech echoed the constitutional mandate to create peace and abolition of colonialism on earth. Indonesia's voice is increasingly being taken into account.

According to him, the speech featured the dimensions of the nation's history, value, and cultural identity which with great pride were brought to the world's largest forum.

"As emphasized in our constitution, the 1945 Constitution Article 32 paragraph 1, countries are obliged to advance Indonesia's national culture in the midst of world civilization. The President's speech before the UN General Assembly shows how Indonesian culture becomes a moral force and civilization, which is relevant to answer global challenges as well as strengthen the position of the nation in the eyes of the world," said the Minister of Culture in a written statement received in Jakarta, Wednesday, September 24.

In front of the heads of state, continued the Minister of Culture, President Prabowo said with confidence that today's world is required to choose the right side of history, especially regarding support for the Palestinian struggle. The president emphasized that the support and recognition of the Palestinian state is the right step on the right side of history. History will continue to note whether we allow injustice to take place or rise to maintain human dignity. This is a message of civilization that is the direction for future generations," said Fadli.

Fadli also highlighted the President's speech reminiscent of the reflection of the journey of the Indonesian nation during colonialism, oppression, and the long struggle towards independence. The president emphasizes how we know the meaning of suffering, the meaning of living in apartheid, the meaning of being deprived of justice. From that experience, Indonesia learns that global solidarity is key. This is not only talking about Indonesia, but about humanity universally, "explained Fadli.

He considered the President's quote from Thucydides, The strong do what they can, the weak buffer what they must, as a warning that a just world order must reject the doctrine of power alone. Indonesia emphasizes that the truth must remain true, not the strong one who determines the truth. That is the historical principle that guides the direction of civilization, he added.

In his speech, the President also emphasized that Indonesia has achieved self-sufficiency in rice and is ready to help the world through food exports and global food security programs. The Minister of Culture assessed that this was not only an economic achievement, but also a cultural achievement.

Indonesia has a long agrarian tradition. From rice fields, fields, to people's gardens, food is part of our cultural identity. Together with the community, the Ministry of Culture actively preserves local food through data collection in various regions, especially in indigenous communities. Derivative knowledge about agrarianism, local food varieties, and cultural practices in managing land is a legacy that must be protected," said Fadli.

He emphasized that local food protection means preserving identity, strengthening sovereignty, and preparing the future. Food security built by Indonesia is security rooted in culture. This is a cultural and scientific contribution sourced from the historical experience of our nation for the world, combining traditions and innovations to answer the global food and climate crisis," he added.

Fadli emphasized that the Ministry of Culture will continue to support the President's vision by expanding Indonesia's cultural diplomacy in the international world. "The President's speech at the United Nations confirms that Indonesia is not just a developing country that passively participates, but a nation with a legacy of great civilization that is ready to determine its direction. Cultural diplomacy will be one of the main instruments to bring this message to the world," he said.

The Minister of Culture closed his statement by emphasizing that President Prabowo's speech was a historical call for world leaders to appear with wisdom, humility, and the vision of civilization. From the UN podium, Indonesia's voice resonates as the voice of global conscience. History will record this speech as a sign that Indonesia stands upright with humanity, fights for civilization, and safeguards the future of the world, "concluded the Minister of Culture.