JAKARTA - Culture Minister Fadli Zon encourages Danantara to strengthen collaboration in managing cultural assets so that they do not stop being symbols, but produce measurable economic impact. In a dialogue with Danantara's Chief Operating Officer (COO) Dony Oskaria at Wisma Danantara, Jakarta, Monday (23/2), Fadli emphasized that cultural heritage must be treated as a living heritage.
"We want our cultural assets to become a living heritage, not just a dead monument. Cultural heritage must have an economic, social, and cultural impact in a sustainable manner," said Fadli.
He said that the cooperation in managing Borobudur, which has been running, is expected to be expanded to the Prambanan, Ratu Boko, and Plaosan Temple areas. The government, he said, has improved public facilities in a number of areas. Next, the management and attraction of destinations need to be strengthened together with InJourney and entities under Danantara.
Fadli also brought the agenda of Indonesia's participation in the Venice Biennale 2026. He called the event a "showcase of the world" that is not only about exhibitions, but also part of the cultural economy because of global transactions and exposure. In the initial phase, the plan includes sending seven artists for a residency of about two months, as well as seven other artists for cross-network collaboration. The target is that Indonesia has its own pavilion in two years.
In addition, Fadli touched on the issue of cinema screens. He said Indonesia now has about 2,500 screens, while the ideal need is estimated at 10,000 screens. Collaboration with PFN and related parties is considered important so that access to viewing in districts/cities is not unbalanced.
Another agenda is the optimization of the Proclamation Manuscript Museum on Jalan Imam Bonjol, Jakarta. Fadli proposed the reuse of the former Jiwasraya building behind the museum complex to expand the function and strengthen the historical narrative.
Dony Oskaria expressed support, including for the Venice Biennale. However, he emphasized that the prerequisite is that the performance indicators must be clear. "We need to set clear KPIs and strategic messages in every international participation," he said.
Regarding Borobudur, Dony emphasized that the optimization of cultural assets must lead to benefits for the country and the surrounding community, including through integrated management and strengthening flight connectivity to Yogyakarta and related destinations. "Optimizing these assets is ultimately for the country and the community," he said.
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