Cultural policy plays a crucial role in shaping societies, influencing cultural expressions, and advancing sustainable development. Laws and regulations related to culture, both at the national and international levels, play a key role in regulating and protecting cultural heritage and supporting a healthy cultural ecosystem. The First International Conference on Cultural Policy and Sustainable Development (ICPSD) aims to explore the impact of cultural policies in democratic and nondemocratic regimes. This conference will serve as a platform for scholars, policymakers, and practitioners to exchange ideas, share experiences, and discuss strategies to promote cultural diversity, creativity, and sustainability in different political contexts.
Internationally, various agreements such as the UNESCO Convention on the Protection and Promotion of the Diversity of Cultural Expressions underscore the importance of cultural policies in supporting sustainable development and promoting cultural diversity (UNESCO Convention 2005, n.d.). At the national level, laws such as the Cultural Law in Indonesia establish a framework for the protection and development of culture, as well as provide a legal basis for inclusive and sustainable cultural policy-making (Law Number 5 of 2017 concerning the Advancement of Culture, n.d.).
In democratic regimes, cultural policies are often developed through participatory processes, reflecting the values and aspirations of diverse communities. These policies aim to support cultural expression, protect cultural heritage, and promote cultural rights, thereby contributing to social cohesion and inclusive development. However, challenges such as funding limitations, cultural commodification, and the impact of digital technology require ongoing dialogue and innovation in policy approaches.
On the other hand, cultural policies in nondemocratic regimes are often used as tools for political control, censorship, and the promotion of state ideology. Nevertheless, cultural practitioners and activists in these contexts demonstrate resilience and creativity in navigating restrictive environments, often using digital technology to amplify their voices and preserve cultural identity. In various countries, existing legislation greatly influences the implementation of cultural policies and sustainable development. In Indonesia, for example, Law Number 5 of 2017 concerning Culture serves as the main foundation for the development of sustainable cultural policies. This law promotes the protection, preservation, development, utilization, and fostering of culture as an integral part of national development (Law Number 5 of 2017 concerning the Advancement of Culture, n.d.).
Cultural Policy and Sustainable Development are interrelated concepts and are the main focus of this conference, where appropriate cultural policies can strengthen sustainable development, reinforce cultural identity, and improve the quality of life for communities. In the context of the conference theme, Cultural Policies in Democratic and Nondemocratic Regimes, it is important to consider the differences in cultural policy approaches between these two types of regimes. This forum aims to facilitate communication among Law Faculty Academics worldwide with the agenda of the 1st International Conference on Cultural Policy and Sustainable Development (ICPSD): “Cultural Policies in Democratic and Nondemocratic Regimes”.
