Among those expressing this aspiration is Yusup Oeblet from Padepokan Yusuf Oeblet Bumi Seni Tarikolot. He mentioned that the Cultural Endowment Fund is something they have been fighting for a long time, reaching its peak at the Cultural Congress held in 2018.

According to Oeblet, the Cultural Endowment Fund and its derivative, the Indonesian Fund, represent the state's presence in the cultural sector. "How the country is giving significant attention to cultural affairs. Funding like this is new in Indonesia," he said on Thursday (7/3).

He emphasized that the Cultural Endowment Fund must be continuously maintained, including under the new government. He heard rumors that the Cultural Endowment Fund might be used for other purposes.

Kang Oeblet said that for the first time, the government allocated around Rp 5 trillion for the Cultural Endowment Fund in 2018. The proceeds from managing this endowment fund were then distributed to cultural and artistic practitioners. There were no restrictions. All fields of art and culture in the ten sectors could access the Indonesian Fund.

"The distribution of this fund is massive. It reaches every corner of the country," he explained. Thus, artists in various regions could benefit from the Cultural Endowment Fund.

Nevertheless, Kang Oeblet asserted that whether there is funding from the state or not, true artists or cultural figures have already demonstrated their existence. However, with such funding, they could become more widely known to the public through various artistic and cultural performances they create.

Kang Oeblet himself received a disbursement of around Rp 1.1 billion for Institutional Support. This fund was allocated to the Bumi Seni Tarikolot Foundation, Padepokan Seni Yusup Oeblet. There were also funds allocated for art and cultural performances.

"My hope for the future is that the allocation of the Indonesian Fund can be further expanded," he said. Furthermore, the distribution of these funds could be more equitable. Not only in urban areas but also in regions where the cultural and artistic heritage is already strong.

He emphasized not to divert the Cultural Endowment Fund to other fields or sectors. Because efforts to develop culture and arts are crucial. The state must oversee the sustainability of arts and culture in the country.

Referring to information from the Ministry of Education, Culture, Research, and Technology (Kemendikbudristek), the Indonesian Fund is the management of funds sourced from the Cultural Endowment Fund. With this fund, it is hoped to support the continuation of cultural activities in Indonesia. Through the benefits of managing the Cultural Endowment Fund, there is a stable source of funding for various cultural projects. Ranging from art production, research, cultural development, to Indonesia's participation in cultural events at the global level.

The utilization of the Indonesian Fund is not only for the advancement of art and culture but also for educational activities. Among them is funding projects that integrate culture into the school curriculum system. The aim is to strengthen students' understanding and appreciation of local and national culture. And to teach students the importance of preserving and promoting culture.

Director-General of Culture at the Ministry of Education, Culture, Research, and Technology (Kemendikbudristek), Hilmar Farid, said that through funding from the Indonesian Fund, the cultural ecosystem in Indonesia has been strengthened. Concrete examples include various cultural projects that have been launched. These include art production, cultural research, and participation in global cultural forums. "These activities encourage Indonesian artists and cultural figures to innovate more actively and enhance their creativity," he said.

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