TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Indonesia gears up for the second World Culture Forum (WCF), which is scheduled to be held in Bali from October 10, 2016, to October 14, 2016.

As an international event, the WCF will be held to discuss strategic issues and policies in sustainable development in relation to peace, prosperity, preservation, and life quality improvements of the international community.

Education and Culture Minister Muhadjir Effendy expected that the WCF could help to highlight the importance of culture as an important aspect of achieving development.

"I believe it is time for us to create a platform of mutual understanding and respect for cultural diversity," Muhadjir stated in a press release received by Tempo on Wednesday, October 5, 2016.

The event is part of a continuous effort to promote culture as the main driver of sustainable development. With its 'Culture for an Inclusive Sustainable Planet', the forum will introduce Indonesia's diverse local wisdom and culture to the world as global values to achieve sustainable development.

"A country with rich cultural diversity, Indonesia should be viewed not only as a cultural heritage but also as an important element of future development," said Hilman Farid, Director General of Culture at the Education and Culture Minister.

MAHINDA ARKYASA