Culture Ministry Urges Universities to Fostger Cultural Ecosystem

RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - Indonesia's Ministry of Culture is encouraging universities to strengthen their role in preserving and developing the country's cultural ecosystem. The initiative was discussed by Culture Minister Fadli Zon with professors of humanities from universities across Indonesia in Jakarta, Thursday, 13 August.

The meeting was held at the Ministry of Culture's office in Senayan, Jakarta, as a follow-up to the 2026 National Symposium of Humanities Professors, held at the University of Indonesia from August 11 to 13. The symposium discussed developments in the humanities and their importance in addressing future civilizational challenges.

Fadli Zon said universities, particularly humanities programs, play an important role in maintaining the sustainability of Indonesia's cultural ecosystem. He said institutionalizing knowledge through education could help preserve and further develop the country's cultural heritage.

“We have so many assets, and there needs to be institutionalization, including of knowledge. This can only be done through education,” Fadli said. He added that education can produce thinkers and researchers who will continue, develop, utilize, and create innovations based on Indonesia's cultural assets.

Fadli also stressed that the humanities should not be viewed as a rival to Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM). Instead, he said the two fields should work together to ensure that scientific and technological development remains focused on human interests.

“A multidisciplinary approach is a necessity. STEM cannot work without the humanities, because ultimately it must be based on the interests of people and humanity,” Fadli said. He explained that STEM provides the ability to create technology and knowledge, while the humanities ensure that they are used with consideration for ethics, morality, and humanity.

Fadli also highlighted the development of artificial intelligence (AI) as an opportunity to support the preservation of the cultural ecosystem, including in the film industry. He expressed optimism that culture and AI can develop alongside each other through adaptation involving communities and universities.

Fadli concluded by reaffirming the Ministry of Culture's openness to collaboration with various stakeholders to advance Indonesian culture. “The Ministry of Culture is always open, because cultural advancement cannot be achieved alone,” he said.