RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - Indonesian Minister of Culture, Fadli Zon, received senior Indonesian singer Grace Simon at the Ministry of Culture office in Jakarta on Wednesday, 20 May 2026. The meeting focused on efforts to preserve Indonesia’s musical heritage, strengthen archives of national music, and support the country’s senior musicians.

During the discussion, Grace Simon, highlighted the importance of safeguarding Indonesia’s musical memory through documentation and preservation of works created by artists across generations. She also expressed hope for more regular performance spaces that could accommodate both senior musicians and emerging talents.

Fadli Zon, said music remains an essential part of Indonesia’s cultural identity and serves as an important medium for cultural diplomacy on the international stage. According to him, preservation efforts should extend beyond documentation and include strengthening performance ecosystems and intergenerational engagement.

“So there is a living space for music, with audiences, ticketed performances, and a sustainable cultural ecosystem,” Fadli said during the meeting. He emphasized that vibrant cultural spaces are necessary to ensure Indonesian music continues to thrive in modern society.

The discussion also covered the archiving of cassette tapes, vinyl records, and historical music documentation considered vital to Indonesia’s collective memory. Grace Simon presented several collections and archival materials that she has gathered over many years as part of her preservation efforts.

The Minister of Culture welcomed the initiative and stressed the need for collaboration between the government, cultural communities, and the music industry. He said such cooperation is essential to ensure Indonesia’s musical heritage remains accessible to future generations.

“Music is part of our historical and cultural journey. What senior musicians have contributed is an important part of Indonesia’s cultural identity that we must preserve together,” Fadli added. He noted that senior artists have played a significant role in shaping the nation’s cultural landscape.

The meeting was also attended by Inspector General Fryda Lucyana and Director of Film, Music, and Arts Irini Dewi Wanti. The audience session reflected the Ministry of Culture’s commitment to maintaining dialogue with cultural figures from different generations in order to build a more inclusive and sustainable cultural ecosystem in Indonesia.