Celebration of Seven Years of the Cultural Advancement Law with "Cultural Road"

JAKARTA - The Indonesian government has established Law Number 5 of 2017 on Cultural Advancement as a step to preserve, develop, and utilize cultural wealth sustainably.

The Director General of Culture at the Ministry of Education, Culture, Research, and Technology (Kemendikbudristek), Hilmar Farid, stated that the Cultural Advancement Law was born from the awareness of the importance of culture's role in national development.

"Culture is not only an identity but also a social, economic, and political capital that can drive the nation's progress. Therefore, cultural advancement has become a priority in the national development agenda," said Hilmar in his speech in Jakarta on Friday, June 21, 2024.

Since its enactment, the Cultural Advancement Law has brought significant changes in cultural management in Indonesia. Policies are now participatory, involving the community and stakeholders directly (bottom-up). The government has also shifted its role from executor to facilitator, supporting community initiatives and aspirations in advancing culture.

The focus of policy has also shifted from specific branches of culture to a holistic approach to the cultural ecosystem as a whole, ensuring the sustainability of every cultural practice and expression.

"This law is important in activating the government's role as a facilitator and strengthening the cultural ecosystem. Since its ratification in 2017, culture in Indonesia has had a legal foundation to protect and preserve cultural heritage, improve the welfare of cultural practitioners, develop the creative economy, strengthen cultural diplomacy, and enhance the quality of education and research in the field of culture," added Hilmar.

Programs such as the Indonesiana Fund, National Cultural Week, reform of cultural heritage governance through the establishment of the Indonesian Heritage Agency, and strengthening the film ecosystem in Indonesia have improved the quality of cultural service management, opened access and equal opportunities, and encouraged innovation and public participation.

Cultural Road Activities 2024

In celebration of seven years of cultural advancement in Indonesia, the Directorate General of Culture of Kemendikbudristek held the Cultural Road event.

"This event serves as a platform to raise public awareness about government programs and activities in the field of culture, encourage public participation in cultural advancement, and ensure the continuity of government programs in the future," explained Hilmar.

The event featured speeches from beneficiaries of the program and figures from the arts and culture such as Reza Rahadian, Ratri Anindyajati, Dian Jennie Cahyawati, Andi Malewa, and Hardiansyah. Engaging cultural performances were also presented by Boogie Papeda, Ranie Jambak, The Talkback Band, and the Tubaba School of Arts Theater.

"I greatly appreciate the initiative of the Directorate General of Culture that continues to promote cultural advancement. This step not only helps artists like me but also strengthens our identity and pride as Indonesians. The Cultural Road 2024 is very significant in inspiring the community to appreciate and preserve Indonesia's cultural wealth more," said Actor Reza Rahadian.

In line with Reza Rahadian, Independent Arts Producer Ratri Anindyajati expressed that they, as artists, are very proud and happy when interacting with friends in the international arena because they can tell the story of the cultural advancement law. “And in Asia, we are indeed considered the most advanced,” she said.

The Cultural Road is expected to be a momentum to revisit the mandate of the Cultural Advancement Law that has been fought for since 1982. At the end of the event, a cultural program guideline book was launched, marking an important step in ensuring the continuity and strengthening of Indonesia's cultural ecosystem. This program is expected to be a concrete step towards a Happy Indonesia as stated in the National Cultural Strategy.[*]