Indonesia Uses Culture as a Bridge for Global Diplomacy

Indonesia’s Minister of Culture, Fadli Zon, unveiled a strategy to leverage the country’s cultural heritage to bolster international relations in 2026. The ‘Indonesian Cultural Outlook 2026’ program aims to actively promote Indonesian literature, film, and music globally. Special attention will be given to expanding the translation program for Indonesian literary works and supporting international publishers. Fadli Zon emphasizes that culture should be a unifying force in a politically divided world. The government intends to engage with up to 60 countries to foster cultural exchange and heritage preservation, thereby enhancing creative potential. The initiative focuses on developing the cultural economy, infrastructure, and international cultural collaboration. Plans include participating in major international cultural events such as the CHANDI Summit and IPACS, reinforcing Indonesia’s position as a cultural power.