Indonesia to Hold World Culture Forum in Bali

Jakarta, Apr 18 (Antara) - Indonesia will host the second World Culture Forum (WCF) themed "Culture for an Inclusive Sustainable Planet" on October 10-14, 2016, in Nusa Dua, Bali. Minister of Education and Culture Anies Baswedan stated here on Monday that the WCF served as a platform to exchange ideas and experiences on sectors, especially those related to the field of culture. Anies was optimistic that the participants from other countries would voice their ideas and concrete solutions to develop culture as the upstream sector of development. "At the first WCF in 2013, we made the Bali Promise. It is now time to formulate an action plan," Anies remarked. The WCF 2016 will be held for five days, with 1.5 thousand participants from various countries. In addition to formulating ideas and solutions in the field of culture, the event is also a forum to exchange experiences in the resolution of cultural conflicts. During the event, the participants will visit villages in Bali and learn the traditional arts to enrich their experiences of Indonesia. "Differences in background often impede communication. With a collective experience in the WCF 2016, we expect all sides to gather and discuss strategic matters to make culture a cornerstone of development," Director General of Culture, the Ministry of Education and Culture, Hilmar Farid emphasized. The WCF 2016 also offers space for young people within the Youth Forum, which will start 12 days before the primary forum. The Youth Forum provides an opportunity for young people to discuss important issues. Some 200 youngsters from around the world are expected to participate in the Youth Forum. Anies said the government was committed to making the WCF a regular program. The WCF 2016 is expected to reach an agreement on strategic decisions regarding its implementation in the future, involving other countries, and to place Indonesia as the main promoter of the forum.