Culture Ministry, Danantara cooperate strengthening culture ecosystem

Jakarta (ANTARA) - The Indonesian Ministry of Culture and the sovereign wealth fund Danantara Indonesia signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) in Jakarta on Monday to formalize cooperation aimed at strengthening the country's cultural advancement ecosystem.

In a statement received on Tuesday, Culture Minister Fadli Zon expressed appreciation for the strategic partnership with Danantara, saying it aligns with the constitutional mandate stipulated in Article 32, Paragraph (1) of the 1945 Constitution.

"I believe this is a highly strategic step, especially since the CEO of Danantara also serves as the Chairman of the Danantara Trust. We must promote Indonesian culture in accordance with our constitutional mandate so that it secures its rightful place in global civilization," Fadli said.

The MoU will remain in effect for five years from the date of signing. It covers the synchronization of programs, support for the duties and functions of both parties, as well as the protection, development, and utilization of cultural assets that generate social and economic benefits.

Furthermore, the deal covers national and international cultural partnership development, human resource training, cultural digitization, the use of technology to promote cultural advancement, and data integration through the provision, utilization, and exchange of data and information in accordance with applicable laws and regulations.

Before the signing of the MoU, the two institutions had collaborated on several initiatives, including the revitalization of the National Museum following a fire, the construction of the National Museum library, and supporting Indonesia’s participation in the Venice Biennale after a seven-year absence.

The minister noted that while Indonesia currently has around 516 museums, only a very limited number meet international standards, underscoring the need to improve the quality of regional museums so they can serve as cultural destinations and support the tourism sector.

The Ministry of Culture is continuing to accelerate the designation of national cultural heritage sites and the registration of Intangible Cultural Heritage as part of efforts to preserve culture while developing the cultural economy.

Indonesia currently has 2,727 registered Intangible Cultural Heritage elements, approximately 20 percent of which consist of local food and cuisine that hold immense potential as drivers of the cultural economy.

Fadli further said that his ministry aims to establish at least three museums by utilizing Danantara’s assets: the Indonesian Film Museum in Jakarta, the Indonesian Music Museum in Bandung, and the Indonesian Photography Museum in Semarang.

Danantara Indonesia CEO Rosan Perkasa Roeslani said that culture is a strategic asset for Indonesia that needs to be safeguarded and developed jointly.

Therefore, Danantara views the partnership with the Ministry of Culture as a strategic step toward advancing Indonesian culture. Rosan also emphasized that the MoU will not merely remain an administrative document, but will instead be translated into concrete programs.

Related news: Gov't names caves with world's oldest painting as national heritage

Translator: Sri Dewi, Raka Adji

Editor: Bayu Prasetyo

Copyright © ANTARA 2026