At IPB University’s Genus 2026, Culture Minister Fadli Zon Calls Indonesia “Megadiversity”
Telaga Inspirasi Field, IPB University Campus, Dramaga, served as the venue for celebrating the cultural diversity of the Indonesian archipelago during the Gebyar Nusantara (Genus)
2026 Awarding Night on Saturday (9/27). This event, part of IPB University’s 63rd anniversary celebrations, involved students from 76 regional student organizations (Omda) showcasing the rich arts and culture of various regions across Indonesia.
The Minister of Culture of the Republic of Indonesia, Prof(Hon), Dr Fadli Zon, who attended the grand finale, commended the Genus event as a platform for students to introduce and promote regional cultures.
“I deeply appreciate the organization of Gebyar Nusantara 2026 by the IPB University Student Executive Board (BEM) and the 76 Omda. This demonstrates our cultural richness and diversity, as reflected by the students at IPB University,” he said.
He referred to Indonesia’s diversity as megadiversity. In his view, this cultural richness is a vital asset that must be continuously nurtured and developed, including as part of Indonesia’s cultural capital and cultural diplomacy.
“From day one, I’ve referred to Indonesia as a megadiversity. Our cultural diversity and richness are extraordinary. It can no longer be simply called diversity, it’s megadiversity,” he said.
He emphasized the importance of the younger generation’s role in advancing culture. Culture, he explained, is not merely a heritage to be preserved but also holds the potential to be developed as part of the cultural economy ecosystem.
“Culture is soft power, an important component of our cultural diplomacy as well. Coal, nickel, gold, and other resources will eventually run out, but culture will never run out as long as there are advocates, people, and resources to sustain it,” he said.
The Vice Rector for Education and Student Affairs, Prof Deni Noviana, noted that the diversity embodied by the students makes IPB University a microcosm of Indonesia. Within its ranks are students from various provinces, ethnic groups, cultures, and more.
He emphasized that IPB University is committed to developing students not only academically but also in their ability to build networks, collaborate, be creative, and remain rooted in their culture.
“We are deeply committed to continuously developing our students because we believe it’s not just about academic ability, but also about how they can build networks, collaborate, be creative, and most importantly how they stay connected to their cultural roots,” he said.
According to the Executive Chair of Gebyar Nusantara 2026, Jonathan Fabian, this year’s theme, “Expanding Cultural Potential Through Youth Creativity”, positions culture as a source of inspiration for generating new creations.
“Creation is the end result we aim to achieve. The breadth of cultural potential is what we will explore, while the creativity of young people is the driving force that will tap into that cultural potential to transform it into something new,” he explained
Through Gebyar Nusantara, IPB University continues to encourage students to use cultural diversity as a space for creating, collaborating, and showcasing Indonesia’s richness. (AS) (IAAS/WSG)
