RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta: Minister of Culture Fadli Zon believes that Indonesia's cultural diversity is a significant asset that many countries lack. Culture can be a potent diplomatic tool if it is handled seriously and in a contemporary way, all while increasing Indonesia's cultural sway.

"Culture is soft power. Culture allows us to communicate with the world without resorting to political discourse," he said at the launch of the book " Selayang Kemilau Bhumi Lima Negeri" at the National Library in Jakarta on Thursday, January 22, 2026, as quoted by Antara.

He stressed the need for a cultural strategy that goes beyond simple conservation. The presentation of culture must be as a vibrant practice that is current and has the potential to engage a worldwide audience. Numerous nations, including the United States via its film industry and South Korea via its music and theater, have shown that culture can be a powerful means of fostering national identity and ideals.

Due to its cultural diversity, which spans from Sabang to Merauke, Fadli thinks that Indonesia has even more potential. This variety, he claimed, has the potential to serve as a solid basis for Indonesia's rise as a global cultural hub, as well as increase the country's sense of self-assurance in its international interactions.

Given this, Fadli praised the launching of the book "Selayang Kemilau Bhumi Lima Negeri," which explores the cultural expressions of southern Sumatra. He thinks that literacy-based cultural documentation is a crucial step in preserving the country's collective memory and promoting local identities to a larger audience.

"Books and works of cultural documentation serve as a bridge between tradition and future generations," Fadli said.

This effort aligns with the mandate of Article 32 Paragraph 1 of the 1945 Constitution, which affirms the state's obligation to advance national culture amidst global civilization.

He also highlighted the role of communities and societ yplay a crucial role in ensuring cultural sustainability. Culture runs the danger of losing its context and significance without community participation. For this reason, it is believed that maintaining the vibrancy and relevance of culture requires fortifying cultural communities.

The book "Selayang Kemilau Bhumi Lima Negeri" captures the cultural richness of the southern Sumatran region, known as Svarna Dipa or the Golden Island. Published by the Putri Bumi Sriwijaya women's community together with Gramedia Pustaka Utama, this book showcases traditional women's clothing, gold jewelry, and textiles from South Sumatra, Lampung, Bengkulu, Jambi, and Bangka Belitung as markers of the history and cultural identity of Bhumi Lima Negeri. ***

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