RRI.CO.ID, Beijing - The Indonesian Ministry of Culture has formally recognized the pivotal role of the Indonesian diaspora in advancing cultural diplomacy, citing the Warisan Roemah Indonesia (WRI) in Beijing as a prime example of community-led soft power. The initiative, spearheaded by the Indonesian community in China, serves as a multifaceted hub for promoting the nation’s culinary heritage and creative products.

WRI functions as an inclusive creative ecosystem that acts as a cultural and economic bridge between Indonesia and China. By utilizing a multisensory approach, the space goes beyond serving traditional cuisine, it hosts heritage exhibitions that introduce Beijing’s public to Indonesian values, traditions, and national identity in an intimate and accessible setting.

Culture Minister Fadli Zon emphasized that the diaspora serves as the strategic spearhead of Indonesia’s cultural diplomacy abroad. He noted that such initiatives demonstrate how cultural diplomacy can flourish through creative, community-driven approaches that resonate locally while maintaining national authenticity.

“The diaspora has a strategic role as the spearhead of Indonesian cultural diplomacy abroad. The diaspora is not only a representation of the nation but also an active agent in introducing, maintaining, and developing Indonesian culture on the international stage. Initiatives like WRI show that cultural diplomacy can grow from the community with a creative and contextual approach,” Fadli said on Sunday, April 26, 2026, as quoted on the Ministry's official website.

The Ministry of Culture reiterated its commitment to fostering adaptive and sustainable creative spaces both domestically and internationally. This strengthening of the cultural ecosystem is designed to move beyond government-centric programming, empowering communities to take an active lead in global representation.

The event was attended by several high-ranking officials, including the Indonesian Ambassador to the People's Republic of China, Djauhari Oratmangun; Deputy Ambassador Irene M. Han; and the Ministry’s Director General for Cultural Diplomacy, Promotion, and Cooperation, Endah T.D. Retnoastuti.

The success of Warisan Roemah Indonesia underscores that modern diplomacy is increasingly driven by community initiatives that present a warm and relevant face of Indonesia to the world. The Ministry hopes that similar practices will continue to evolve, further solidifying Indonesia’s cultural standing in the global arena. ***