MEDAN – Indonesia's rich cultural heritage continues to be promoted through a series of strategic activities involving cultural communities, institutions, artists, academics, and the wider public. Through the 2026 Cultural Endowment Fund Utilization Program, the Ministry of Culture of the Republic of Indonesia, together with Dana Indonesia Raya and LPDP, presents a calendar of strategic cultural events taking place throughout 2026 and 2027.

The calendar features 13 cultural events across various regions of Indonesia. These activities cover film festivals, traditional music, performing arts, literature, book fairs, conferences, and recognition of creative works and professionals in the cultural industry.

This initiative represents an effort to strengthen Indonesia's national cultural ecosystem while providing opportunities for cultural practitioners to develop their creativity, expand professional networks, and introduce Indonesia's cultural richness to a wider audience.

13 Strategic Cultural Events in Indonesia

The following events are included in the 2026–2027 strategic cultural calendar:

  1. 2026 Indonesian Film Festival – November 20, 2026, Jakarta.
  2. Indonesian Traditional Music Festival – October 3–November 15, 2026, across Bogor, Wonosobo, Maumere, Makassar, Kuningan, and Aceh.
  3. 13th Indonesian Arts Festival Plus (FKI+) – October 20–24, 2026, ISI Padang Panjang, West Sumatra.
  4. Indonesia International Book Fair 2026 – September 30–October 4, 2026, Jakarta International Convention Center.
  5. Nusantara Manuscript Festival – November 2026–August 2027, covering Aceh, West Sumatra, West Java, Lombok, and South Sulawesi.
  6. Indonesia-Pacific Cultural Connect – October 14–15, 2026, Fort Vredeburg Museum, Yogyakarta.
  7. Media Arts Week – October 2026–February 2027, in Bogor, Indarung, and Pontianak.
  8. Indonesian Music Awards – November 4, 2026, Jakarta.
  9. 2026 Indonesian Music Conference – October 27–November 1, 2026, Makassar.
  10. 2026 Santri Film Festival (SANFFEST) – December 4, 2026, Jakarta.
  11. Gala Indonesia Bercerita 2026–2027 – March 25, 2027, Jakarta.
  12. 2026 ASEAN Panji Festival and Seminar – November 27–28, 2026, Central Java.
  13. 2026 National Cultural Festival – October 17, 2026, Bogor, West Java.

Strengthening a Sustainable Cultural Ecosystem

The diversity of these events demonstrates that cultural advancement goes beyond preserving traditions. It also encompasses creativity, innovation, documentation, cultural exchange, and the development of creative industries.

The involvement of organizers and communities from different regions creates opportunities for younger generations to discover, learn about, and actively participate in advancing Indonesia's cultural heritage.

Further information about the program and its activities is available through the official Dana Indonesia Raya portal at https://danaindonesiaraya.kemenbud.go.id.

For the FEB USU academic community, these initiatives also highlight the close relationship between culture and the development of the creative economy, entrepreneurship, tourism, and regional economic potential. Innovative and sustainable cultural management can generate economic opportunities while preserving national identity.

These strategic cultural activities contribute to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 4 (Quality Education) through cultural literacy and education, SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth) through strengthening creative industries and economic opportunities for artists, and SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities) through the preservation of cultural heritage and community identity. Collaboration among cultural communities and institutions also supports SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals), encouraging inclusive and sustainable cultural development.