Indonesia
Basuki Teguh Yuwono, S.Sn., M.H., Special Staff for History and Cultural Heritage Protection, Ministry of Culture Republic of Indonesia, and Hamamah, Ph.D., the Dean of FCS UB
Faculty of Cultural Studies (FCS) Universitas Brawijaya (UB) welcomed the visit of Basuki Teguh Yuwono, S.Sn., M.H., a Special Staff for History and Cultural Heritage Protection of the Ministry of Culture of the Republic of Indonesia, on Wednesday (1/22/2025). The discussion that occurred at the Hall, 7th Floor of Building A FCS UB aimed at exploring strategic cooperation between the Ministry of Culture and FCS UB, especially in the development of the Rumah Budaya Indonesia (RBI) with the concept of Pentahelix ABCGM (Academic, Business, Government, Community, and Media).
Hamamah, Ph.D., Dean of FCS UB, started the discussion by describing the RBI program initiated by UB in China, especially at Tianjin Foreign Studies University (TFSU). According to her, RBI is not only a medium for cultural learning but also a strategic step for Indonesia’s soft diplomacy at the international level.
“We have received many requests from industries and companies in China for assistance in learning Indonesian, including in projects such as KCIC and mining in North Kalimantan. RBI is a reciprocal step towards the Confucius Institute, which has long been the foundation of China’s cultural diplomacy,” Hamamah explained.
Discussion between Special Staff of the Ministry of Culture and FCS UB
He also emphasized that the cultural objects in the RBI, such as books, cultural tools, and art artifacts, are expected to become interactive and comprehensive learning media.
In the discussion, Basuki appreciated FCS UB’s steps even though the faculty is still relatively young. He called programs like RBI an extraordinary initiative that can be a model for other campuses.
“The extraordinary spirit of FCS UB must be appreciated. Programs like RBI align with our efforts at the Ministry of Culture to expand international diplomacy. We hope this will be the door for more intense cooperation with China and other countries,” Basuki said.
He also encouraged FCS UB to develop other cultural initiatives, such as museums and digitizing cultural heritage, which can become essential pillars in the national cultural ecosystem.
“Museums do not have to be grand, but can start on a small scale, such as in villages or campuses, with a ‘growing museum’ approach that develops from cultural activities themselves,” Basuki added.
The discussion also highlighted efforts to make Indonesian an international language in ASEAN. Nanang Endrayanto, S.S., M.Sc., Vice Dean for General Affairs, Finance, and Resources, conveyed the importance of supporting language strengthening through digital platforms.
“Besides RBI, we also focus on developing digital humanities, including interactive remediation of cultural objects. We hope this can synergize with the initiatives of the Ministry of Culture and other campuses,” Nanang explained.
Photo of Special Staff of the Indonesian Ministry of Culture and FCS UB
In addition, the need for BIPA (Indonesian for Foreign Speakers) and UKBINA (Indonesian Language Proficiency Test) on Chinese campuses and companies was also highlighted. Dr. Hipolitus Kristoforus Kewuel, S.Ag., M.Hum., Head of the Department of Art and Cultural Anthropology, added that synergy between the government and universities is needed to meet this demand.
“Agencies, companies, and campuses in China need BIPA and UKBINA. We are also working with local governments to develop sister cities and culture-based industries,” said Hipolitus.
At the end of the discussion, Basuki delivered several strategic recommendations, including museum development and UB’s involvement in national cultural programs. He also suggested that the development of the Majapahit Museum, which the Ministry of Culture will realize, could involve UB as a strategic partner.
“With strong synergy, UB can become one of the main pillars of culture, not only in East Java but also at the national level. Many potentials can be maximized, including museums and cultural digitization, to support Indonesia’s cultural diplomacy,” Basuki concluded.
This discussion is an essential first step in strengthening the relationship between FCS UB and the Ministry of Culture. With this synergy, it is hoped that programs such as RBI, museums, and digital humanities can become models of academic-based cultural development that positively impact Indonesia globally. [dts/PR FCS]