Indonesia Fosters Regional Museums to Showcase Cultural Heritage

RRI.CO.ID, Kendari - Indonesia is stepping up efforts to strengthen regional museums as centers for cultural preservation, education, and tourism, underscoring their role in presenting the country's rich history and civilization to both domestic and international audiences. The initiative was highlighted during Culture Minister Fadli Zon's visit to the Southeast Sulawesi Museum and Cultural Park.

According to a statement from the Ministry of Culture, the visit forms part of the government's broader strategy to improve the quality and sustainability of regional museums across Indonesia. The ministry aims to transform museums into dynamic cultural spaces that preserve local heritage while enhancing public engagement.

Based on the release received by RRI Voice of Indonesia, Sunday, July 12, 2026 , Fadli said Southeast Sulawesi possesses exceptional historical significance, particularly following the discovery of prehistoric cave paintings in Muna Regency estimated to be at least 67,800 years old. The finding has reinforced the region's status as one of the world's earliest centers of human civilization and provides an important opportunity to introduce its history and cultural identity to a global audience.

“A museum is not merely a place to store collections. It is a showcase of culture and civilization, where people can understand the historical journey and cultural richness of a region,” Fadli said.

The minister stressed that museums should offer more engaging visitor experiences through well-designed exhibition spaces, informative displays, proper lighting, and the support of professional educators and conservators. He added that museums should comprehensively present regional heritage, ranging from prehistory and ethnography to languages, literature, manuscripts, oral traditions, performing arts, and local wisdom.

To support the development of regional museums, the Ministry of Culture will continue providing assistance through the Non-Physical Special Allocation Fund (DAK), while improvements to physical infrastructure are expected to be achieved through partnerships between the central government, regional administrations, the private sector, and philanthropic organizations. Fadli noted that such collaborative models have been successfully adopted in many countries to build high-quality and sustainable museums.

“Museums and cultural parks must be developed together as sustainable cultural hubs. Collaboration between the central government, regional governments, businesses, and local communities is essential to ensure that cultural facilities continue to grow and deliver broader public benefits,” he said.

Fadli added that well-managed museums can serve not only as centers for education and heritage preservation but also as drivers of local economic growth through increased tourism, the development of local handicrafts and culinary products, and the organization of cultural events. The Ministry of Culture said it will continue working with regional governments and other stakeholders to revitalize museums and cultural parks as showcases of Indonesia's civilization, cultural identity, and historical legacy.