Indonesia’s Ministry of Culture: Championing Sustainability and Tradition
New Ministry Aims to Elevate Culture as a Driving Force in Indonesia
Garut, West Java – The newly established Ministry of Culture in Indonesia is poised to champion the nationS rich cultural heritage, viewing it not just as a source of national pride but also as a powerful engine for economic growth, diplomacy, and enduring progress.
Fitra arda, secretary of the Directorate general of Culture, emphasized this vision during an event promoting the “ngawuwuh” tradition in Garut, West Java. “culture is a unifier of the nation, a driver of the economy, a diplomatic force, and a shaper of national identity,” Arda stated.”With this narrative, culture is expected to become a main pillar of national development.”
The ngawuwuh tradition, which involves sharing a hot spiced beverage made from ginger, coconut, brown sugar, and lemongrass, exemplifies the deep connection between culture and nature.Arda highlighted this link, stating, “The world is intensifying efforts to link culture with sustainable living, focusing on caring for the Earth and preserving traditions. This aligns perfectly with the ngawuwuh tradition, as the loss of natural resources would lead to the loss of culture.”
Beyond Preservation: Culture as a Solution
arda stressed that the Ministry’s focus extends beyond simply preserving traditions. He emphasized the need to develop culture as a solution for future challenges, embracing a dynamic and evolving approach. “Culture shoudl not onyl focus on ancient artifacts but also embrace the living, evolving future,” he explained.
This forward-thinking approach aims to strengthen Indonesia’s cultural narrative on both national and global levels. Traditions like ngawuwuh, Arda believes, offer inspiration for building a more sustainable and harmonious world.
The Mulakeudeu indigenous community in Garut exemplifies this commitment, preserving the ngawuwuh tradition through their annual Hajat Lembur Kampung Mulakeudeu event. The spirit of ngawuwuh, with its emphasis on friendship and togetherness, remains a vital thread in Indonesian society, even amidst the challenges of modernization.
Culture Takes Center Stage: A Conversation with Indonesia’s Ministry of Culture
NewsDirectory3.com – Indonesia’s newly formed Ministry of Culture is setting an enterprising agenda, championing the nation’s rich cultural heritage not just as a source of national pride, but as a powerful driver of economic growth, diplomacy, and sustainable development.
We sat down with Fitra arda, Secretary of the Directorate General of Culture, to delve deeper into this groundbreaking vision.
NewsDirectory3: Mr. Arda, the Ministry’s vision seems to go beyond simple preservation. Could you elaborate on this forward-thinking approach?
Fitra Arda: Absolutely. While preserving our traditions is crucial, we believe culture must also evolve and adapt to meet future challenges. Culture shouldn’t be confined to ancient artifacts; it should be a living,breathing force that inspires innovation and solutions for a sustainable future.
NewsDirectory3: You highlighted the “ngawuwuh” tradition as a prime example. How does it embody this vision?
Fitra Arda: The ngawuwuh tradition beautifully illustrates the interconnectedness of culture and nature. Its a seemingly simple act of sharing a warming beverage, but it’s rooted in the utilization of local ingredients and reflects a deep respect for the environment. As the world grapples with sustainability, traditions like ngawuwuh offer valuable insights into living harmoniously with nature.
NewsDirectory3: How does this emphasis on culture translate into tangible benefits for Indonesia on a national and global level?
Fitra Arda: By elevating culture as a pillar of national development, we unlock its tremendous potential to drive economic growth through tourism and creative industries. Moreover, our rich cultural heritage serves as a powerful tool for diplomacy, fostering understanding and connection with the world. The ngawuwuh tradition,for instance,exemplifies Indonesian values of hospitality and community,which resonate universally.