I

ndonesia has plenty of islands: about 17,000 of them across the vast archipelago, each occupied by people with different ethnic and cultural backgrounds. There are 300 ethnicities in this country. We should count ourselves lucky to have such a rich cultural makeup.

Consequently, Indonesia must promote all of its cultures for the interests of its people as well as to attract tourists, and reap the financial benefits of the latter.

At Prambanan Temple in Central Java, the local administration often organizes cultural events '€” traditional dances and other cultural performances '€” that have attracted many local and international tourists.

Korea manages to promote its culture, which has a positive impact on its economy. Many young Indonesians are familiar with K-Pop and many housewives are addicted to Korean dramas, which they view online or on TV.

Indonesia can do the same. But of course, it needs the effort of many parties to ensure its success. We have many traditional musical instruments such as the angklung, seruling and gamelan that could be promoted to other countries. We also have the exotic Reog Ponorogo that has the potential to attract tourists if promoted properly.

It is time for the young to be proud of the country'€™s rich tapestry of cultures and be prepared to promote them.

Fitri Lestari
Yogyakarta