RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - Indonesia’s Minister of Culture, Fadli Zon, emphasized the importance of cultural diversity as a strategic strength for the nation during the “Mufakat Ranah dan Rantau: Building Nagari, Strengthening Identity” forum at YARSI University in Jakarta, on Saturday, 23 May 2026. The event brought together members of the global Minangkabau diaspora to strengthen cultural identity and community ties between homeland and overseas communities.

The gathering was organized by the Minang Diaspora Global Network and attended by academics, diplomats, cultural figures, and Minangkabau diaspora representatives from various countries. Activities included cultural discussions, literary exhibitions, traditional performances, and awards recognizing contributions to literacy and humanitarian causes.

In his remarks, Fadli praised the initiative for creating stronger connections between Minangkabau communities in Indonesia and abroad. He said cultural movements driven by local communities and diaspora groups play a crucial role in advancing Indonesian culture on the global stage.

“According to our Constitution, the state must advance Indonesia’s national culture within global civilization while guaranteeing people the freedom to preserve and develop their cultural values,” Fadli said, referring to Article 32 Paragraph 1 of the 1945 Constitution. He added that Indonesia’s cultural diversity represents an “extraordinary diversity” that should be a source of national strength and cultural diplomacy.

Fadli also highlighted the historical and cultural richness of the Minangkabau people, whose traditions are deeply rooted in literature, manuscripts, customs, and culinary heritage. He noted that rendang, the internationally renowned Minangkabau dish, has been officially recognized as part of Indonesia’s Intangible Cultural Heritage.

The minister further pointed to the discovery of ancient pictographs in Lidah Aia Cave in West Sumatra as evidence of early civilization in the region dating back tens of thousands of years. According to him, such historical findings should be promoted as part of efforts to strengthen Indonesia’s cultural identity internationally.

“Culture is not a burden, but a strength,” Fadli stated. “Culture must become part of Indonesia’s cultural economy as well as our cultural diplomacy.”

Meanwhile, President of the Minang Diaspora Global Network, Fasli Jalal, said the forum aimed to reinforce the connection between “ranah” (homeland) and “rantau” (diaspora) while reaffirming the importance of nagari, or traditional village communities, as the foundation of Minangkabau identity. He noted that the organization has expanded its network to 22 countries and continues to encourage collaboration in social, cultural, and educational development.

During the event, Fadli presented the Minangkabau Cultural Literacy Lifetime Achievement Award to Rais Yatim and Mas'oed Abidin for their contributions to cultural literacy and Minangkabau civilization. Humanitarian awards were also presented to several distinguished figures for their dedication to society and community service.