RRI. CO.ID, Surakarta - Indonesia’s Minister of Culture, Fadli Zon, officially opened the “Gelar Budaya dan Karya Anak Bangsa” cultural festival at Sebelas Maret University (UNS) in Surakarta, Thursday March 26, 2026. The event marked the highlight of a grand reunion organized by the Faculty of Cultural Sciences as part of the university’s 50th anniversary celebrations.

The festival carried the theme “Weaving the Cultural Rainbow of the Archipelago.” It featured a wide range of cultural activities, including traditional performances, exhibitions of manuscripts and cultural artifacts, and showcases of student art and alumni businesses.

In his remarks, Fadli Zon praised UNS for creating a platform that brings together academics, alumni, cultural practitioners, and the wider community. He said such initiatives play an important role in preserving and developing Indonesia’s cultural heritage.

During the event, the minister delivered a cultural address emphasizing the strategic role of culture in national development. He noted that promoting culture is a constitutional mandate that must be realized collectively.

Fadli highlighted Indonesia’s vast cultural diversity, describing it as a form of “megadiversity.” The country is home to thousands of ethnic groups, hundreds of regional languages, and a wide range of cultural expressions.

He also pointed to Indonesia’s long history of civilization, supported by archaeological discoveries such as some of the world’s oldest prehistoric cave paintings. According to him, these findings reinforce Indonesia’s identity not only as a nation-state but also as a civilization-shaped society.

The minister stressed that culture must adapt to globalization and digital transformation without losing its roots. He said digitalization should not only document heritage but also help keep cultural traditions relevant and accessible.

The event concluded with a symbolic gong striking by the minister and university leaders to mark the official opening of the festival. The gathering was attended by government officials, cultural figures, university leaders, alumni, students, and members of the public.