Indonesia’s Minister of Culture, Fadli Zon, visited Universitas Gadjah Mada’s Innovation and Creativity Center (GIK UGM), a super creative hub integrating arts, culture, and innovation to support Indonesia’s cultural diplomacy.
During the visit, Minister Fadli Zon was welcomed by UGM Vice-Rector for Education and Teaching, Professor Wening Udasmoro, CEO of GIK UGM, Dr. Alfatika Aunuriella Dini, and Garin Nugroho, a member of the GIK UGM Advisory Board.
In his speech and presentation, Minister Fadli Zon highlighted GIK UGM’s strategic role in Indonesia’s cultural diplomacy on the global stage.
He noted that Indonesia has an extraordinary cultural wealth, and hubs like GIK UGM serve as tangible efforts to preserve and introduce Indonesian culture to the world.
“Through cross-sector collaboration, we can create innovative programs with global relevance,” he said on Saturday (Jan. 18) at GIK UGM.
Minister Fadli Zon emphasized the importance of the younger generation in preserving and developing Indonesian culture through GIK UGM.
“The younger generation is at the forefront of advancing our culture. Don’t be afraid to innovate, but stay true to traditional roots,” the minister advised students.
Vice-Rector Wening Udasmoro expressed her appreciation for the minister’s visit and reaffirmed GIK UGM’s role in strengthening Yogyakarta’s arts and culture ecosystem.
“UGM is always committed to supporting cultural innovation that can serve as a model for other universities in Indonesia,” she said.
Dr. Dini also had the opportunity to explain GIK’s long-term vision as a creativity center based on local cultural values and technological innovation.
“GIK UGM is not only a physical space but also a dynamic ecosystem for nurturing creative talents capable of competing nationally and internationally,” she said.
Author: Rahma Khoirunnisa
Editor: Gusti Grehenson
Post-editor: Afifudin Baliya
Photos: GIK UGM