Indonesia Seeks to Transform Museums into Centers of Education and Cultural Diplomacy in 2026

Jakarta, The Gulf Observer: The Indonesian Ministry of Culture is seeking to strengthen the role of museums as a key focus of its cultural transformation policy in 2026, emphasizing their function as centers of public education, historical dialogue, and cultural diplomacy.

“Museums are no longer viewed as just warehouses for artifacts, but as spaces for public education, historical dialogue, and cultural diplomacy,” Culture Minister Fadli Zon said at a press conference in Jakarta on Thursday.

According to the ministry, visits to museums and cultural heritage sites under its management reached 4.32 million throughout 2025, reflecting growing public interest in cultural institutions.

Currently, 516 museums across Indonesia have been registered and standardized by the Ministry of Culture. Several of these institutions have undergone revitalization through collaboration between the central government, regional administrations, the private sector, and philanthropists.

Fadli highlighted the important contribution of philanthropists in supporting museum transformation efforts. “Philanthropists play a vital role in transforming museums into educational spaces, making them more attractive and bringing their narratives to life,” he said.

The ministry also announced plans to revitalize royal palaces across the country as part of broader efforts to preserve and promote Indonesia’s cultural heritage.

The minister stressed that the Ministry of Culture’s policies this year are aimed at positioning culture as a unifying force, a means of strengthening national identity, and a source of social and economic welfare. These policies, he noted, go beyond cultural protection to include sustainable development and the productive use of cultural assets.

“Moving forward, we hope that culture is not seen as something static or merely a tangible asset, but as a living force within society that continues to evolve,” Fadli remarked.

In this context, he said, the government is committed to building a supportive cultural ecosystem, expanding public access, enhancing capacity, and addressing disparities between regions and social groups. This approach is considered essential to sustaining cultural dynamism and creativity nationwide.

“To this end, policies must adapt to changing times and technology while remaining firmly rooted in values,” the minister emphasized.