FT UI Invited to Go Deeper into Cultural Preservation and the Hilirisation of Works

Minister of Culture Fadli Zon. (IST)

DEPOK - Minister of Culture Fadli Zon encourages engineering experts and universities to be more involved in the preservation and development of culture. According to Fadli, engineering science cannot be separated from culture.

This was conveyed by Fadli when he was the main speaker in the Public Lecture KaryaRaya FT UI 2026 at the Faculty of Engineering, University of Indonesia, Depok, Tuesday, August 11.

"Technique with culture cannot be separated. In fact, in the Cultural Development Law Number 5 of 2017, traditional technology is included in one of the ten objects of cultural development," said Fadli.

He said the UI Faculty of Engineering and the Ministry of Culture have worked together in revitalizing a number of cultural heritage sites.

Collaboration is also considered to be expanded to Intangible Cultural Heritage, including traditional technology, games, and local food.

"Cultural diversification is important and requires experts in the field of STEM. Therefore, I encourage engineering experts to help find the identity of the nation," he said.

STEM is a field of science that includes science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.

Fadli assessed that universities have an important position because they are a meeting place for different research, professions, ideas, and generations. From that space, collaboration between technology and culture can be developed.

Dean of FT UI Kemas Ridwan Kurniawan said engineering personnel are not only able to design and build. They also need to understand social, cultural, economic, and industrial changes.

"Technology is born from culture and also affects culture," said Kemas.

During the event, Kemas also introduced the FT UI mascot in the form of a Bang Singtek or Engineering Lion doll.

Fadli menilai maskot itu berpotensi dikembangkan menjadi kekayaan intelektual atau IP serta produk industri kreatif.

KaryaRaya FT UI 2026 is part of the 62nd Dies Natalis of FT UI which will take place on August 10-14, 2026.

The series of events includes WasteART by Alif Priyono, a student mural exhibition, lecturer photography, Vernacular Documentation or VERNADOC, a bazaar, art performances, music, dance, and documentaries.

Fadli said the Ministry of Culture would continue to open cooperation with universities and experts from various fields, including for the revitalization of cultural heritage and the development of museums, fine arts, literature, and the cultural industry.