Minister of Culture Fadli Zon Urges Rapid Assessment of Cultural Heritage of the Sumatra Disaster

Coordination Meeting of the Ministry of Culture (Doc. Kemenbud)

Jakarta - Culture Minister Fadli Zon urged a quick and measurable assessment of cultural heritage affected by floods and landslides in Sumatra. This step is considered crucial so that the recovery of cultural sites is targeted and coordinated across parties.

The statement was made by Fadli Zon at the Coordination Meeting of the Ministry of Culture in Jakarta, Saturday, December 13, 2025. He expressed his deep condolences for the disaster that hit three provinces in Sumatra and emphasized the need for the country's rapid response in the post-disaster phase.

"Recovery must be preceded by a quick and accurate assessment. We must be present on time, coordinated, and ensure that the needs of site recovery and cultural spaces are immediately mapped," said Fadli.

According to him, the assessment needs to involve cross-agencies, communities, and the public. The results will be guidelines for the restoration of cultural heritage as well as a basis for cultural-based psychosocial support for affected residents.

Deputy Minister of Culture Giring Ganesha emphasized the strengthening of cross-unit synergy so that service instruments, including the Indonesian Fund, are truly utilized by cultural actors.

Secretary General of the Ministry of Culture Bambang Wibawarta highlighted the importance of cross-sectoral collaboration, especially education and technology, to make culture as the future economic engine. He emphasized the strengthening of the data ecosystem, intellectual property rights, industry standards, and incubation in creative cities.

Inspector General Fryda Lucyana stated that supervision of the Indonesian Fund continues to be tightened so that it is accountable and has an impact. Meanwhile, Director General of PPPK Ahmad Mahendra emphasized the focus on revitalizing cultural assets, digital innovation, capacity building for actors, and management of cultural art talent.

Meanwhile, Director General of Diplomacy, Promotion, and Cultural Cooperation Endah T.D. Retnoastuti said the repatriation agenda, UNESCO nomination, and international cooperation continued. This effort is supported by four policy pillars: education, cultural economy, cultural diplomacy, and culture as a unifier.

This meeting is a consolidation forum to ensure that cultural development is effective, relevant, and responsive to the crisis.