JAKARTA – Minister of Culture (Menbdu) Fadli Zon emphasized that culture must be a key pillar in addressing the global climate crisis.
He delivered this message during a high-level meeting of Culture Ministers within the Group of Friends for Culture-Based Climate Action (GFCBCA) coalition during UNESCO MONDIACULT 2025 in Barcelona, Spain, on Monday, September 29.
This 47-member coalition was formed by the United Arab Emirates and Brazil at COP28 in Dubai. Indonesia officially joined in May 2025.
"Indonesia is proud to be part of this global network. As a newly established ministry, we immediately supported this initiative because we believe culture must be a pillar of global climate resilience," said Minister Fadli.
According to him, the climate crisis is ultimately a cultural crisis. "What is threatened is not only the ecosystem, but also the identity, heritage, and local knowledge that sustain civilization," he said.
Minister Fadli touched on the real risks facing Indonesia: the weathering of temple stones, the destruction of prehistoric sites near mines, and threats to traditions passed down through generations.
"Every activity around cultural sites must have a conservation perspective. The climate is changing, and prehistoric temples and caves are under threat. This is why culture must be included in the climate agenda, both nationally and globally," he emphasized.
He also highlighted local wisdom as adaptation infrastructure: the Tri Hita Karana philosophy in Bali, the Sasi practice in Maluku and Papua, Menumbai in Riau, and Arat Sabulungan in Mentawai. "All of this emphasizes the balance between humans and nature through customary law," he said.
The meeting resulted in the Barcelona Declaration, which affirms culture as a vulnerable asset and a strategic instrument for climate adaptation.
Spanish Minister of Culture, Ernest Urtasun, called the meeting a crucial moment. Brazilian Minister of Culture, Margareth Menezez, also welcomed Indonesia's participation. "Welcome, Minister Fadli. Your presence strengthens our voice in including culture in the climate agenda at COP30 in Brazil," he said.
Fadli emphasized that Indonesia's participation is an important part of cultural diplomacy. "At the global level, culture should not be considered a marginal issue, but a mainstream issue in the post-2030 climate and sustainable development agenda. Cultural diplomacy is a strategic instrument to convey this," he said.
Fadli continued, saying that the Ministry of Culture will continue to expand Indonesia's role in international networks. "This is how we preserve heritage, inspire the world, and ensure that culture becomes a solution to the climate crisis for today's and future generations," he concluded.
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