“With varying backgrounds, we have seen how culture can be leveraged as a means to establish international relations. This is what we truly need these days,” he explained during the “Beyond Borders: Unlocking the Potential of Cultural Diplomacy” lecture here on Wednesday.
According to Zon, Indonesia understands the role of culture in securing global recognition and is committed to leveraging it to establish diplomatic relations. He noted that the nation’s extensive cultural heritage is an asset to gain global attention.
“There is a great deal of traditions, languages, arts, including dance, music, theater, even local wisdom and life philosophies. All of these are our assets in fostering friendship and (mutual) understanding at the global scale,” he explained.
Hence, cultural diplomacy is a method, a medium, or a path for all nations to navigate today’s rapidly changing global landscape, he opined.
Related news: Moeldoko champions cultural diplomacy at Japan-Indonesia Dialogue
He then urged people to participate in cultural diplomacy, saying it can be promoted via day-to-day interactions and need not be limited to government-level initiatives.
“I call for everyone here not to view cultural diplomacy as a government-only responsibility, but as a collective movement to build an ecosystem in which everyone has a unique role and contribution,” Zon said.
On the same occasion, founder, president emeritus, and rector of the Institute of World Politics, Dr. John Lenczowski, stressed that cultural diplomacy must be based on moral clarity, inter-religious harmony, and truth as these values are key for global peace.
“Public diplomacy must integrate functions other than foreign policy, such as information, propaganda, and religious diplomacy. Diplomacy builds relations based on trust with stakeholders, for harmonious and smart relations,” he said.
The “Harmony Beyond Borders” public lecture was held as part of the International Conference on Cultural Diplomacy 2025.
The conference, which aims to promote diplomacy as a collective effort for building an inclusive global future, will take place in Depok, West Java, on November 18 and 19, 2025.
At the end of the lecture, Minister Zon said he expected it to enlighten people about the potential of cultural diplomacy as an instrument to achieve peace and sustainable development.
Related news: Cultural diversity a unifying force for Indonesia: Minister
Related news: Tourism Ministry pushes unique, well-run festivals to attract tourists
Translator: Mecca Yumna Ning Prisie
Editor: M Razi Rahman
Copyright © ANTARA 2025
