Minister of Culture Supports Cultural Festivals, but Requests Measured Programs

Fadli Zon membuka dukungan bagi inisiatif publik bernama Festival Berbudaya, tetapi menegaskan program kebudayaan tidak bisa berjalan hanya dengan semangat komunitas. (IST)

JAKARTA - Minister of Culture Fadli Zon opened support for a public initiative called the Cultural Festival, but emphasized that cultural programs cannot run only with community spirit. The government will still look at the maturity of the concept, governance, and its impact on the cultural ecosystem.

Fadli conveyed this attitude when receiving representatives of the organizers of the Cultural Festival, Fakhri Bagus Pratama, at the Ministry of Culture's office, Jakarta, Tuesday, March 31.

The Berbudaya Festival was initiated by communities and the public as a cultural event aimed at strengthening Indonesia's position as host of international cultural activities, as well as encouraging cross-country collaboration.

The agenda is structured in stages. The initial stage will be held on a national scale to strengthen socialization and public participation. The peak of international activities is targeted to take place at the end of 2026. The initial series includes musical performances, cultural works exhibitions, as well as community and MSMEs involvement.

"The Ministry of Culture in principle supports various initiatives from the community and cultural actors. The most important thing is the readiness of the concept of the program, the governance of activities, and the impact it has on strengthening the cultural ecosystem sustainably," said Fadli.

He emphasized that government support would be provided through a measured mechanism, including the curation process and fulfillment of the administrative aspects of the program.

Fakhri Bagus Pratama said that the festival is expected to be a space for collaboration for national and international cultural actors. According to him, the event is also aimed at strengthening Indonesia's position in the global cultural cooperation network.

During the meeting, the Ministry of Culture also explained a number of support channels that can be accessed by the cultural community, ranging from the National Talent Management program, support for the cultural festival ecosystem, to funding schemes and ministry programs available through selection and curation processes.

The meeting was attended by Cultural Diplomacy and International Relations Expert Staff Annisa Rengganis and Director of Digital Culture Development Andi Syamsu Rijal.