Fadli Zon Advocates for Economic Utilization of Museums After Visiting Egyptian Civilization Museum

JAKARTA - Minister of Culture Fadli Zon has stated that museums in Indonesia should not only serve as repositories for historical objects but also attract visitors and generate economic value. He cited the management of museums in Egypt as an example that the government wishes to learn from, transforming cultural heritage into a source of cultural economy. During his visit to the National Museum of Egyptian Civilization (NMEC) in Cairo on Monday, September 21, 2026, Fadli Zon highlighted how Egypt has made its museums a part of its cultural showcase and a driver of the cultural economy. The NMEC, inaugurated in 2021, chronicles the journey of Egyptian civilization from the ancient Egyptian period through the Coptic and Islamic eras to the modern age. Its opening was marked by the Pharaohs' Golden Parade, a procession to transfer royal mummies to the museum. Fadli Zon noted that NMEC estimates daily visitor numbers to reach 10,000, with museum activities supported by souvenir sales, coffee shops, and various other services. A key attraction is the collection of mummies of Egyptian kings and queens from different dynasties, alongside exhibits showcasing the development of ancient knowledge and technology, including tapestries. He believes NMEC's method of presenting the historical narrative as a visitor experience can serve as a model for museum development in Indonesia. According to Fadli Zon, museums need to present engaging stories of civilization, going beyond mere display and maintenance of collections. The experience from this visit will serve as a reference for the transformation, modernization, and digitization efforts being encouraged by the Ministry of Culture. Fadli Zon aims to present Indonesia's rich cultural heritage through exhibitions and activities that strengthen education and public appreciation, while simultaneously opening business opportunities in the cultural sector. This development is directed towards connecting the preservation of cultural heritage with its utilization, including economic activities that stem from public visits to museums. "Museums not only preserve the heritage of the past but become spaces that bring culture to life, strengthen national identity and pride, and open up opportunities for the growth of Indonesia's cultural economy," Fadli Zon stated.