Nusantara to Become a Cultural Hub Reflecting Indonesia’s Diversity

North Penajam Paser, The Gulf Observer: Indonesia’s future capital, Nusantara, is set to serve not only as the seat of government but also as a national center of cultural convergence, according to Minister of Culture Fadli Zon. Speaking on the sidelines of the Nusantara Cultural Festival on Saturday, Minister Zon emphasized the vision of Nusantara as a “common house” for Indonesia’s rich and diverse cultural heritage.

“More than a mere seat of government, Nusantara also serves as a common house for Indonesian cultures,” he stated during the festival, held in the government core area of North Penajam Paser District, East Kalimantan Province.

Minister Zon lauded the cultural festival as a clear reflection of the government’s strong commitment to preserving and promoting national cultural heritage. He added that the event helps create a sustainable ecosystem in which culture can thrive at the heart of Indonesia’s new capital.

Held from May 30 to June 1, the Nusantara Cultural Festival carries the theme “Nusantara is Us, We are Nusantara”, and gathers approximately 500 participants from 23 contingents across the country. The festival showcases Indonesia’s cultural wealth through traditional performing arts, crafts, and culinary presentations, while also featuring a bazaar of micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) that highlight regional products.

The minister stressed the importance of the Nusantara Capital Authority (OIKN) in providing inclusive spaces for arts and cultural communities from across the archipelago. He stated that this cultural integration aligns with the government’s strategy to preserve and promote local cultures amid the ongoing challenges of globalization and cultural convergence.

Under the leadership of President Prabowo Subianto, the government is committed to leveraging Indonesia’s cultural diversity as a form of soft power to enhance its global standing, Minister Zon noted.

He also called on the public to actively support the development of Nusantara as the new center of Indonesian civilization and a source of global inspiration.

Minister Zon concluded by emphasizing that the capital’s cultural development must be grounded in Law No. 5 of 2017 on the Advancement of Culture and Law No. 21 of 2023 on the Capital City, which serve as legal frameworks for building a culturally enriched and inclusive Nusantara.