Speaking at a Universitas Nasional graduation ceremony on Saturday, Fadli Zon said Indonesia’s cultural values—deliberation, tolerance, mutual cooperation, and compassion—serve as an “antidote to division” in a polarized world.
Delivering a presentation titled “Advanced Culture, Dignified Nation,” he emphasized that young people are the frontline guardians of Indonesia’s cultural identity.
His remarks reflect Article 32, paragraph 1, of the 1945 Constitution, which mandates the state to “advance Indonesia’s national culture in the midst of global civilization by ensuring the nation’s freedom to preserve and develop its cultural values.”
The ministry has allocated around US$28 million this year to support approximately 2,800 arts and culture communities nationwide, aiming to strengthen Indonesia’s cultural ecosystem.
“Our cultural identity is the essence that shapes who we are, distinguishes us, and strengthens us,” he said, urging graduates to uphold values such as deliberation, gotong royong (mutual cooperation), and compassion while using cultural identity as a source of strength and creative inspiration.
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He stressed that technology is a tool to advance humanity, not a force to separate people from cultural roots.
Cultural identity, he said, should guide graduates as they enter the professional world and foster unity in building a strong, advanced, and dignified Indonesia.
Highlighting the country’s rich cultural diversity, the minister noted Indonesia is home to 1,340 ethnic groups, 718 languages, and thousands of tangible and intangible cultural assets.
He added that artistic traditions, languages, literature, traditional games, indigenous sports, local cuisine, rituals, and manuscripts reinforce Indonesia’s status as a resilient civilization in the global arena.
Fadli Zon concluded that nurturing cultural identity among youth is vital for preserving national heritage while advancing Indonesia’s creative and intellectual potential.
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Translator: Sri, Kenzu
Editor: Rahmad Nasution
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