RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - Indonesia’s Minister of Culture, Fadli Zon, emphasized the strategic role of universities in advancing cultural development during a public lecture at Universitas Muhammadiyah Surabaya, 21 February 2026. The event formed part of the university’s Baitul Arqam 2026 leadership program, focusing on the vision and strategy for the advancement of Islamic culture in Indonesia.

Addressing students and faculty members, Fadli Zon highlighted Indonesia’s vast cultural wealth, which includes languages, oral traditions, manuscripts, rituals, traditional knowledge, local cuisine, and the arts. He noted that this diversity positions Indonesia as one of the world’s most culturally rich nations.

“With more than 17,000 islands, around 1,340 ethnic groups, and hundreds of local languages, Indonesia is often described as a megadiverse cultural nation with the potential to become a global cultural hub and even a cultural superpower,” he said.

The minister underlined that Islam in Indonesia historically integrated peacefully with local traditions rather than confrontation. He explained that Islamic teachings embraced cultural forms, preserving their essence while adapting external influences in line with religious principles.

Indonesia’s long-standing culture of tolerance, he added, has enabled different civilizations and religions to coexist. As examples, he pointed to the preservation of historic temple complexes such as Borobudur and Prambanan, which remain protected national heritage sites despite the country’s Muslim-majority population.

According to Fadli Zon, cultural advancement requires collaboration between central and regional governments, universities, the private sector, and civil society. He stressed that culture should not only be preserved but also developed as an economic driver through cultural and creative industries, while serving as a tool of diplomacy and national identity formation.

Rector of Universitas Muhammadiyah Surabaya, Mundakir, introduced the institution’s new tagline, “Home of Champions,” reflecting its ambition to cultivate excellence across academic and non-academic fields. He said the university aims to produce graduates who excel as scholars, professionals, and national-level athletes.

The minister’s visit was welcomed as a significant opportunity for collaboration between higher education and the Ministry of Culture. The university expressed its readiness to work closely with the government in strengthening character education and shaping a future-oriented cultural vision for Indonesia in an increasingly interconnected world.