JAKARTA — The Cultural Dinner, part of the 19th Session of the Parliamentary Union of the OIC Member States (PUIC), was held in a lively and festive atmosphere at Taman Arca, the National Museum of Indonesia, Central Jakarta.
Carrying the theme “Opening the Heart in the Harmony of Moonlight,” the event served as a key platform to showcase Indonesia’s rich cultural heritage and to strengthen cultural diplomacy.
In his opening speech, Minister of Culture Fadli Zon emphasized that Indonesia’s cultural wealth is a vital asset in fostering stronger global cooperation.
Indonesia, he noted, is a country with remarkable diversity where people live harmoniously under the national motto Bhinneka Tunggal Ika — Unity in Diversity.
“Indonesia is home to 1,340 ethnic groups and 718 regional languages. These are not just statistics, but a reflection of traditions, cultural expressions, and heritage that we must preserve and promote to the world,” Fadli stated on Sunday (May 11).
He also highlighted the importance of the fusion between Islam and local culture, which has shaped Indonesia into a nation with a peaceful Islamic tradition.
The spread of Islam in Indonesia from the outset, he explained, has been non-violent, relying instead on cultural engagement, trade, and local wisdom.
“Islam came to Indonesia not through violence, but through culture, trade, and local wisdom. That is why Islam and tradition in Indonesia blend peacefully,” he added.
Before the main event, delegates from OIC member states were given a guided tour of the museum, accompanied by translators, to help them gain a deeper understanding of Indonesia’s cultural heritage and history.
Guests were also treated to various traditional dance performances and a narrative presentation on the history of Islam’s arrival in the archipelago.
Speaker of the Indonesian House of Representatives, Dr. (H.C.) Puan Maharani, expressed her gratitude for the presence of the honored guests and reaffirmed the importance of international cooperation.
“We are honored to host this important forum. Through dialogue and solidarity, we can create a more civilized and prosperous world,” Puan said.
She also highlighted the historical significance of the National Museum of Indonesia, noting that it has witnessed the nation’s struggle and serves as a reminder of the values of humanity, solidarity, and mutual understanding.
“This building is a witness to the nation’s history. From here, we are reminded of the values of humanity, solidarity, and mutual understanding,” she continued.
As a concrete step in advancing cultural diplomacy, Indonesia will host the World Culture Forum 2025 in Bali, under the theme “Culture for the Future.”
