JAKARTA - Minister of Culture Fadli Zon has released the Labschool Kebayoran High School Cultural Mission which will perform in the 38th International Competition and Festival of Folklore, Dance and Music "Étoile de Paris" in Paris, France, on July 9-21, 2026.
At the release event in Jakarta, Sunday, July 5, Fadli emphasized that students did not only leave to participate in competitions. They carry the name of Indonesia on the international cultural stage.
"Adik-adik will become Indonesian Cultural Ambassadors on the global stage. You not only participate in competitions, but also perform and carry the name of Indonesia in France," said Fadli.
Fadli appreciated SMA Labschool Kebayoran who has consistently sent cultural missions since 2004. According to Fadli, this step is part of cultural development which is not only the government's task.
"This cultural development is our common task and is a constitutional mandate as stated in Article 32 paragraph 1 of the Constitution of the Republic of Indonesia in 1945," said Fadli.
He said that the diversity of Indonesian culture needed to continue to be introduced to the world. Fadli said that Indonesia has a large cultural wealth or mega cultural diversity that can be presented through cultural diplomacy, international festivals, performing arts, music, literature, and film.
According to Fadli, culture is Indonesia's soft power or soft power. This strength is important in diplomacy, as well as being part of the cultural economy and the cultural industry.
"This culture is a soft power, soft power. This soft power is very important for cultural diplomacy. In the future it will become an engine of growth, a cultural power, a cultural economy, and a cultural industry," he said.
Fadli also encouraged cultural missions like this to be closer to the Ministry of Culture through the IndonesiaRaya Fund. The program can be used to support the sending of cultural delegations, film festivals, music, dance, theater, and Indonesia's participation in international cultural activities.
He asked the participants to prepare themselves seriously so that they could perform the best show. According to Fadli, the experience of performing abroad is not only about achievements, but also opens friendships and networks.
"Congratulations on your duty as an Indonesian Cultural Ambassador. Bring home achievements, experiences, friendships, and networking, and continue to love, preserve, and advance Indonesian culture," said Fadli.
The head of Labschool Kebayoran High School, Suparno, said the cultural mission program aims to strengthen the awareness of students as citizens and citizens of the world.
In the festival in Paris, participants will perform in various categories of dance and music performances. They carry the mission of introducing the richness of Indonesian culture to the international community.
Fadli hopes that more schools will be able to send cultural missions to international festivals independently and in collaboration.
"Because in the hands of the younger generation, the future of Indonesia, including the future of Indonesian culture, will continue to live and grow," said Fadli.
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