Culture Ministry and Finance Ministry Agree to Strengthen Cultural Ecosystem

RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - Indonesia is strengthening its cultural policy framework as Minister of Culture Fadli Zon met with Deputy Minister of Finance Suahasil Nazara to discuss sustainable financing, the Cultural Endowment Fund, and culture’s growing role in economic development.

"Indonesia has unparalleled cultural richness, both in terms of diversity, historical depth, and its contribution to world civilization. This richness is the nation's primary identity and needs to be managed in a more focused, sustainable, and dignified manner," said Minister Fadli at the Ministry of Culture Office in Jakarta, on Tuesday, January 20, 2026, as quoted on the ministry's official website.

The Minister of Culture cited various recent archaeological discoveries, including tens of thousands of years old ancient paintings in South Sulawesi, as compelling proof that the Indonesian archipelago is one of the oldest centers of civilization in the world. In line with the direction of the President of the Republic of Indonesia, this story must serve as the cornerstone for fostering national pride and confidence, he said.

The Minister of Culture also outlined the current state of cultural heritage and museum management. While the number of cultural heritage registrations has increased significantly, strengthening human resources, involving universities, and comprehensive ecosystem management is still needed.

"At the National Museum alone, approximately 194,000 artifacts are currently in the process of data matching and strengthening the recording system, including restructuring the value of the nation's cultural assets."

Minister Fadli also said that since the establishment of the Ministry of Culture, public interest in museums and cultural heritage has shown a sharp increase, with a surge in visitor numbers. The government, he noted, continues to improve the services quality by adding new infrastructure, revitalizing exhibition venues, and creating educational and thematic programs.

"In the area of cultural diplomacy, the government is reviving cultural houses abroad, promoting the repatriation of artifacts, and reinforcing the role of culture as a foundation for the economy and industry," he stated.

The handling of the Cultural Endowment Fund and the Indonesiana Fund were among the key topics covered at the meeting.

The Minister Fadli reveled that while the cultural endowment fund is still expanding, difficulties persist in the areas of systems, procedures, and implementation capability. Without sacrificing the values of transparency and accountability, the Ministry of Culture wants to see the fund utilization system simplified in the future to make it easier for cultural players to use.

The Deputy Minister of Finance Suahasil Nazara stressed that endowment funds, such as the Cultural Endowment Fund administered via the Education Fund Management Institution (LPDP), are, in effect, a supplement to government spending. These monies are eligible for supporting cultural events and initiatives.

In addition, the Deputy Minister underlined the crucial role of the Ministry of Culture in offering strategic advice to regional administrations on how to use regional transfer funds for the cultural sector.

"We support the creation of public-private partnership (PPP) programs for the construction of income-generating cultural infrastructure, such as cinemas and art venues. With this plan, the state budget may serve as a supporter to make sure that projects continue to be financially viable and appealing to the private sector," said Suahasil Nazara.

Both parties concluded the meeting by agreeing on the necessity of creating a medium and long term cultural roadmap to ensure that cultural development is more focused, sustainable, and integrated with national economic policy.

"Culture is a limitless resource. Investing in cultural infrastructure and ecosystems is a long-term investment for national unity, stability, and happiness," said Minister Fadli in his concluding remarks. ***