“Our culture is megadiverse. It is not just diversity, but abundance,” he remarked in Jakarta on Thursday.
He explained that Indonesia has 2,213 intangible cultural heritages on record, with 16 recognized by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), including wayang, batik, keris, jamu, and reog.
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Since assuming office, Zon has focused on rediscovering the identity of Indonesians—rooted in cultural diversity and richness—as well as exploring the nation’s ancient civilizations.
Citing archaeological findings, he noted that Homo erectus lived in Indonesia around 1.8 million years ago. The oldest known cave paintings in Muna and Maros predate those in Europe.
“We have been a melting pot since ancient times. We are not merely a destination, but also a place of departure,” he said.
Zon referred to Article 32, Paragraph 1 of the 1945 Constitution, which requires the state to advance national culture amid global civilization to ensure that citizens nurture and preserve cultural values.
“This is a Constitutional mandate,” he added.
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Meanwhile, chairperson of the board of directors of the Great Institute, Syahganda Nainggolan, said that cultural discussions are being pursued across various platforms to ensure that Indonesian culture remains recognized at home.
“If discussions on culture cease, we risk losing the very values of civilization,” he warned.
Sociologist and writer Okky Madasari, who teaches at the National University of Singapore, urged all parties, especially the younger generation, to revisit Indonesia’s cultural heritage.
“They are cosmopolitan, creative, and resilient. They are not merely consumers of global culture, but also challengers,” she said.
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Translator: Primayanti
Editor: M Razi Rahman
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