Fajarasia.id – Chairman of the Nusantara Arts and Culture Committee, Hendardji Soepandji, has called for stronger efforts to reinforce Indonesia’s cultural identity in the face of growing foreign influence. He emphasized that the nation must prioritize cultural resilience, particularly as children are increasingly exposed to digital content that is difficult to control.
Speaking at the Indonesia Is Me event held at the RRI Foreign Broadcast Auditorium in Jakarta on Saturday (Nov 15, 2025), Hendardji highlighted the importance of instilling cultural values from an early age. “Culture is the product of human creativity and serves as the identity of a nation in the era of globalization,” he said.
He noted that schools alone cannot shoulder the responsibility of cultural education. Parents, he stressed, play a vital role in shaping children’s character and ensuring that cultural values are absorbed from a young age.
To strengthen cultural awareness, Hendardji pointed to initiatives such as nationwide storytelling competitions, which have reached 500 districts and 38 provinces through collaboration with the Ministry of Culture and the Ministry of Education. These programs aim to preserve traditions while engaging younger generations in creative ways.
The Indonesia Is Me event carried the theme Celebrating Diversity and featured performances by artists including Jauza Kamila, Rendy Laks, Chiko Castelo, and Nusantara Soul. The event also drew participation from university students across various regions, underscoring the role of youth in sustaining Indonesia’s cultural heritage.
Hendardji’s remarks serve as a reminder that cultural preservation is not only about maintaining traditions but also about equipping future generations to face global influences while staying rooted in national identity.*****
