Fadli Zon: Culture Must Be A National Economic Power And Identity

Minister of Culture Fadli Zon became a keynote speaker for the Cultural Dialogue with the theme National Culture and Identity: Striving Unity in Diversity at the Aston Gorontalo Hotel, Wednesday, October 15, 2025 (doc Kembud)

GORONTALO Minister of Culture Fadli Zon emphasized the importance of cross-sectoral synergy in advancing national culture when he was a keynote speaker of the Cultural Dialogue with the theme National Culture and Identity: Stimulating Unity in Diversity at the Aston Gorontalo Hotel, Wednesday, October 15. This forum is a strategic space for cultural actors and regional artists to express their aspirations and strengthen the cultural ecosystem.

Gorontalo culture is very rich and expressive. I witnessed the Folo Palo dance, a new creation, and Lohidu all reflecting the local cultural power that has been recognized as Indonesia's Intangible Cultural Heritage," said Fadli Zon in his statement, Thursday, October 16.

He emphasized that the Ministry of Culture continues to build a sustainable ecosystem through cross-sectoral collaboration. We want to stimulate the promotion of culture in Gorontalo, from cultural heritage in nature to contemporary art such as film and music. All cultural elements, traditions, and pop culture must be jointly managed so that it becomes economic strength and cultural industry," he continued.

In the dialogue, Fadli Zon also mentioned the progress of restoring Fort Otanaha, the historical icon of Gorontalo which is now being restored by the XVII Region Cultural Preservation Center. There will be a wider outlook, a safe ladder, and a cultural performance area without destroying the site,' he explained. He encouraged the fort area to be turned on with cafes, souvenir shops, and cooperatives to provide economic benefits for local residents.

The Ministry of Culture, he said, has prepared a budget stimulus of up to IDR 2 billion per activity to support cultural promotion, including restoring sites, strengthening museums, cultural gardens, and programs of the School Entrance Artist Movement (GSMS). "We want the younger generation to be closer to their cultural roots through GSMS, Learning with Maestros, and Management of Cultural Art Talenta," said Fadli Zon.

The dialogue was attended by Gorontalo Governor Gusnar Ismail, Head of Education and Culture of Rusli Province Wahyuwasnusi, regional officials, traditional leaders, academics, culturalists, and school principals implementing GSMS. Two main resource persons 'Romy A. Isa and Dr. Harto S. Malik' discussed diversity, unity, and local culture regeneration in the era of social media.

Through this forum, the Ministry of Culture affirms its commitment to making cross-sectoral collaboration the main key to the promotion of inclusive and impactive culture throughout Indonesia.