MADRID - Minister of Culture Fadli Zon asked the Indonesian diaspora in Spain not only to be a diaspora community, but also to introduce Indonesian culture to the international community.
The invitation was conveyed by Fadli in a dialogue with the Indonesian diaspora at the Indonesian Embassy in Madrid, Wednesday, July 15. According to Fadli, Indonesian citizens abroad have an important position because they are in direct contact with the people of the country where they live.
"Diaspora has an important role in maintaining, caring for, and promoting Indonesian culture at the international level," said Fadli.
He said Indonesia has a very large cultural wealth, ranging from cultural heritage, intangible cultural heritage, to a number of world heritages recognized by UNESCO.
The wealth, said Fadli, is not enough just to be listed or stored. The culture must continue to be introduced and passed on so that it remains alive from one generation to the next.
During the meeting, Fadli also touched on the status of the Ministry of Culture, which is now standing as an independent ministry. The new structure is aimed at protecting, developing, utilizing, and nurturing culture can be done more focused.
He invited the diaspora to open space for art performances, exhibitions, discussions, and introduction of Indonesian history and traditions in Spain.
Fadli also encouraged the diaspora to visit museums when they return to Indonesia. The Ministry of Culture is developing a Museum Passport program to increase public interest in museums as a place to learn history.
According to Fadli, preserving culture is a mandate of Article 32 of the 1945 Constitution. Therefore, this task is not only in the hands of the government.
Indonesia, continued Fadli, has a long civilization footprint. One of the proofs is the prehistoric rock paintings on Muna Island.
Fadli was in Madrid to attend discussions on the formation of an international alliance for the protection of Palestinian culture. He said that Palestinian cultural heritage faces a serious threat due to the conflict.
The Indonesian Ambassador to Spain, Muhammad Najib, assessed that cooperation between the government, Indonesian representatives abroad, and the diaspora is needed so that Indonesian culture is better known.
Fadli also cited the visit of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to the Prambanan Temple Complex as part of strengthening relations between countries through culture.
With the network owned by the diaspora, the promotion of Indonesian culture does not always have to wait for the official agenda of the government. Their presence in the education, art, business, and local community spaces can be a path of diplomacy that is closer to the Spanish people.
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