KBRN, Jakarta: The Ministry of Culture held the Culture for the Future Storytelling Competition on Friday (11/28/2025), showcasing Indonesia’s commitment to strengthening global understanding of cultural values through narratives centered on tolerance and diversity. In a statement delivered in Jakarta, Director General of Cultural Diplomacy, Promotion, and Cultural Cooperation Endah T.D. Retnoastuti said the program involved international school students to deepen their exposure to Indonesian culture.

Retnoastuti highlighted that the competition comes at a time when the world faces technological disruption and geopolitical tensions. “Stories are not just words but a bridge across time, connecting generations, nations, and the dialogue between past, present, and future,” she said.

She added that storytelling helps cultivate empathy and tolerance among young people while revitalizing cultural values found in Indonesian folklore. “Through storytelling, our cultural wisdom can be revived, understood, and passed down in ways that truly touch the heart,” Retnoastuti noted.

The event featured four categories oral narrative, written narrative, visual narrative, and video or film narrative reflecting how cultural expression continues to adapt in the digital era. Retnoastuti said these diverse formats enable students to deliver messages of tolerance “deeply and creatively.”

More than 700 participants from elementary, junior high, and senior high levels took part in the competition, showing strong enthusiasm to explore Indonesian culture through various creative formats. She emphasized that traditional children’s games were also showcased, allowing students to reconnect with cultural practices beyond digital devices.

Retnoastuti explained that the initial focus on international school students was intentional because they are more exposed to global environments. “We want these students, who have strong international exposure, to also gain a meaningful understanding of Indonesian culture before they represent the country in global festivals and competitions,” she said.

She added that the Ministry of Culture plans to bring similar events to other major cities across Indonesia through exhibitions, workshops, and roadshows. Retnoastuti also confirmed plans to collaborate with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Tourism, and provincial governments to support outstanding young storytellers and promote their works on the global stage.