TUMATA: Journal of Arts and Cultural Management
Vol 4, No 1 (2026): June 2026

The Utilization of Symbolic Capital of the Museum Sonobudoyo as an Instrument of Cultural Diplomacy at the 2025 Islamic Arts’ Biennale

Luna Chantiaya Rushartono (Art Management Department, Indonesia Institute of The Arts Yogyakarta, Parangtritis Street Km 6.5, Glondong, Panggungharjo, Sewon District, Bantul Regency, Special Region of Yogyakarta, 55188, Indonesia)
A. Sudjud Dartanto (Art Management Department, Indonesia Institute of The Arts Yogyakarta, Parangtritis Street Km 6.5, Glondong, Panggungharjo, Sewon District, Bantul Regency, Special Region of Yogyakarta, 55188, Indonesia)
Tambak Sihno Purwanto (Art Management Department, Indonesia Institute of The Arts Yogyakarta, Parangtritis Street Km 6.5, Glondong, Panggungharjo, Sewon District, Bantul Regency, Special Region of Yogyakarta, 55188, Indonesia)



Article Info

Publish Date
10 Jun 2026

Abstract

This research is motivated by Indonesia’s significant potential to strengthen its cultural diplomacy and economic development as strategic assets on the international stage. One way to do this is through museums as global actors within the realm of cultural diplomacy. This study aims to examine the utilization of the Sonobudoyo Museum's symbolic capital as an instrument of cultural diplomacy at the 2025 Islamic Arts Biennale. This research employs qualitative and descriptive-analytical methods, presenting detailed findings that are then analyzed using Pierre Bourdieu's theory of capital. The results indicate that there is both the formation and utilization of symbolic capital within the Sonobudoyo Museum’s involvement in the Islamic Arts Biennale 2025. Soft power emerges through the power of attraction, which can serve as a national asset in conveying diverse and compelling cultural expressions, thereby maintaining and even enhancing the museum's global image. This study concludes that the Sonobudoyo Museum's symbolic capital plays a significant role in positioning it as one of Indonesia’s global actors, particularly within the fields of arts and culture and in the context of soft diplomacy.

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Journal Info

Abbrev

TUMATA

Publisher

Subject

Arts Decision Sciences, Operations Research & Management Economics, Econometrics & Finance

Description

The journal aims to advance scholarly discourse and professional practice in the field of art management and related disciplines. It serves as a platform for the dissemination of original research and conceptual contributions that enhance theoretical understanding and practical applications in art ...