JAKARTA, Jan. 9 (Xinhua) -- Indonesia is strengthening the role of museums as part of a broader overhaul of its cultural policy, aiming to reposition them as dynamic public spaces that support education, cultural dialogue and tourism development.
Culture Minister Fadli Zon said museums now form a central pillar of Indonesia's cultural strategy, reflecting a shift away from preservation-centered approaches toward more inclusive and interactive models.
"Museums are no longer viewed as mere warehouses of artifacts," Fadli said at a press conference on Thursday. "They are spaces for public education, historical dialogue, cultural diplomacy and living platforms that connect the past, present and future."
The policy shift comes as the Southeast Asian nation seeks to strengthen national identity while managing its vast cultural diversity, with more than 1,300 ethnic groups spread across the archipelago.
According to data from the Ministry of Culture, visits to museums and cultural heritage sites reached 4.32 million in 2025, reflecting rising public interest alongside ongoing efforts to improve facilities, accessibility and programming. Currently, 516 museums across Indonesia have been officially registered and standardized by the ministry.
Several museums have received revitalization support through cooperative efforts involving central and regional governments, the private sector and philanthropic organizations. Fadli emphasized that such multi-stakeholder collaboration is crucial for sustaining long-term cultural development.
"Collaboration between the central government, local administrations, private corporations and philanthropists is crucial," he said. "Philanthropy plays an important role in helping museums become engaging educational spaces with stronger narratives."
Under the new policy direction, museums are encouraged to move beyond static exhibitions toward interactive storytelling, digital integration and community-based programming. Fadli said this approach would enable museums to function not only as preservation sites but also as platforms for learning, creativity and social engagement, particularly for younger audiences.
Beyond museums, the ministry has also announced plans to revitalize royal palaces, locally known as keraton, across Indonesia. These historic institutions continue to influence local traditions and cultural practices and are expected to be more closely integrated with heritage preservation and cultural tourism initiatives.
Fadli said the broader cultural policy aims to position culture as both a unifying force and a source of economic value.
"The goal is to make culture a source of identity, cohesion and welfare," he said. "This requires not only protection, but also development and sustainable utilization."
He added that culture should be understood as a living force shaped by communities, rather than as a static or purely tangible asset. Under this framework, cultural communities are positioned as key actors, while the state focuses on building supportive ecosystems, expanding access, strengthening capacity, and addressing regional and social disparities.
Fadli also emphasized that adaptive cultural policies are essential to ensure Indonesia's heritage remains relevant in a rapidly changing world.
"Cultural policy must adapt to changes in times and technology while remaining grounded in values," he said. "Without adaptation, culture risks being left behind. Without values, culture can lose its meaning and direction." ■