The Non-Physical Special Allocation Fund is sourced from the state budget, provided to support development programs outside of physical infrastructure.
"I have seen it myself that the management of museums is still below standard," he said in a meeting with Commission X of the House of Representatives (DPR) in Jakarta on Wednesday.
The 2026 Non-Physical Special Allocation Fund is planned to be Rp150 billion (around US$9.1 million), which will be allocated to 111 museums and 29 cultural centers in various regions.
It focuses on non-infrastructure programs, such as improving human resources' capacity, strengthening exhibition content, and involvement of local cultural communities.
"There are still many museums that only showcase artifacts without narratives, without basic information like the age and historical context," he said.
The deputy minister further said this type of management causes museums to lose their educational function.
In this regard, the utilization of the special allocation fund has been designed to support the advancement of culture, quality learning, strengthening identity and the creative economy.
Thus, museums and cultural centers are expected to become inclusive and impactful public spaces for the community.
The Ministry of Culture has conducted a thorough evaluation of the previous utilization of special allocation funds. Several identified challenges, such as limited human resources and cross-sector coordination, have been used as a basis for improving allocation.
"We will take corrective action, including increasing synergy with regional governments and cultural communities," he remarked.
With this policy direction, the government is optimistic that museums and cultural centers can operate more optimally in supporting national cultural development.
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Translator: Pamela Sakina, Raka Adji
Editor: Azis Kurmala
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