February 11, 2026 | 06:34 pm
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The Rector of the National University (Unas), El Amry Bermawi Putera, claims that the Minister of Culture, Fadli Zon, deserves to be awarded the title of Honorary Professor. He said that Fadli's thoughts and contributions are in line with those of one of the founders of Unas, Sutan Takdir Alisjahbana (STA). Fadli is being awarded the title of Professor in the field of Politics and Culture.
"Unas sees a strong alignment with Fadli Zon's struggle," he said during the Open Session and Conferring of the Honorary Professor Title at Unas Campus, South Jakarta, Wednesday, February 11, 2026, as observed on the Ministry of Culture's YouTube channel.
He stated that the organization of this inauguration session holds historical and cultural significance as it coincides with STA's birthday. STA is a great figure in cultural thought and an intellectual inspiration.
"This moment serves as an honor that STA's legacy of ideas will continue to thrive in the cultural struggle that Fadli Zon is currently championing," he said.
He said that Unas cannot be separated from STA's contributions, which place culture as a creative force, rather than just a heritage of the past. Indonesia has a responsibility as a civilization to engage in dialogue with the world and merge local culture with global dynamics. Culture must become a force for progress.
"These ideas form the spirit of Unas, embracing progress and the belief that knowledge and culture are inseparable in building the future of the nation," he said.
Unas sees alignment between STA's views and Fadli Zon's struggle. Fadli is considered consistent in cultural diplomacy, preservation of history, literature, and national identity.
He sees the Gerindra Party politician as sharing his conviction that culture is a strategic force for the nation. Indonesia is not just a country with cultural wealth, but also a symbol of global civilization. "A place where values, ideas, and creativity come together and contribute to the world," he said.
He also claimed that Unas's conferment of the title to Fadli Zon was objective academic recognition. It is also in line with Unas tradition of honoring figures who have made extraordinary contributions to the development of science, culture, and national civilization.
According to him, based on intellectual work and continuous dedication, Fadli Zon meets the criteria for university honors.
Fadli is also seen to have contributed to scholarly activities, teaching, writing books and scholarly articles, as well as involvement in national and international academic discourse. "His role is relevant in cultural preservation and strengthening the collective memory of the nation," he said.
He stated that Fadli Zon also established various museums and cultural houses, such as the Heritage Museum, the Nusantara Ceramic Museum, and the Cultural House. Unas views these establishments as centers of cultural education and research that are open to the public and the academic community.
He said that Fadli Zon also advocates for the preservation of Indonesian culture, including issues of artifact repatriation and cultural diplomacy. Based on academic considerations, real contributions, sustained dedication, and national and international impact, Unas believes that Fadli Zon is worthy and deserving of the honorary professor title.
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