Fadli Zon: Engineering and Culture Must Go Hand in Hand

RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - Indonesia’s Minister of Culture, Fadli Zon, emphasized the importance of connecting engineering, technology, and culture to strengthen Indonesia’s cultural ecosystem. He made the statement as a keynote speaker at the KaryaRaya FT UI 2026 Public Lecture, themed A Celebration of Art, Culture, Innovation, and Legacy, at the Faculty of Engineering, Universitas Indonesia, in Depok Tuesday, 11 August, 2026.

The event was part of the 62nd anniversary celebrations of the Faculty of Engineering, Universitas Indonesia, held from August 10 to 14, 2026. The series featured various activities, including WasteART by Alif Priyono, student mural exhibitions, a photography exhibition by faculty members, Vernacular Documentation (VERNADOC), and a bazaar featuring the university community.

Minister Fadli Zon praised the Faculty of Engineering for creating a space that raises awareness of art and culture within an academic environment. He also highlighted the faculty’s vision of being excellent, empowered, accomplished, and cultured, which he said aligns with Indonesia’s efforts to advance culture.

He stressed that universities have a strategic role in building a strong cultural ecosystem by bringing together ideas, research, professions, and different generations. He said such interactions can encourage innovation and strengthen connections between culture and various academic disciplines.

“Engineering and culture cannot be separated,” Fadli said. He noted that traditional technology is recognized as one of the ten cultural advancement objects under Indonesia’s Cultural Advancement Law, while emphasizing the importance of involving science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) experts in cultural development.

He also highlighted ongoing cooperation between the Ministry of Culture and the Faculty of Engineering, Universitas Indonesia, including efforts to revitalize cultural heritage sites and support intangible cultural heritage such as traditional technologies, games, and local food. He said cultural downstreaming requires expertise from various fields, including engineering, to help strengthen Indonesia’s cultural identity.

Meanwhile, Dean of the Faculty of Engineering, Universitas Indonesia, Kemas Ridwan Kurniawan, said engineering professionals also need to understand social and cultural dynamics. “Technology is born from culture and also influences culture,” Kemas said, emphasizing the faculty’s commitment to developing an academic culture that is innovative, adaptive, and responsive to Indonesia’s needs.

Fadli said KaryaRaya FT UI 2026 reflects three important principles: celebrating culture, showcasing innovation, and building legacy. He expressed hope that collaboration between the Ministry of Culture and universities would continue to create new ideas and innovations while strengthening Indonesia’s cultural and creative ecosystem for future generations.