About
Rooted in culture. Committed to the future.
SANUR — Samuhita Nusantara is a foundation for the preservation, development, and advancement of cultural heritage and artistic expression across the Indonesian archipelago.
About SANUR
Who we are
SAMUHITA NUSANTARA, known as SANUR, is a foundation committed to the preservation, development, and advancement of cultural heritage and artistic expression across the Indonesian archipelago.
We believe that culture is a living legacy. It is reflected in knowledge, traditions, artistic practices, collective memory, and the values passed from one generation to another.
Through its programs, cultural initiatives, education, documentation, and collaboration, SANUR seeks to help build a cultural environment in which heritage remains relevant and continues to inspire future generations.
Our Background
Why SANUR exists
The Indonesian archipelago holds an extraordinary cultural wealth: hundreds of languages, ways of storytelling, art forms, and knowledge of the natural world, shaped across thousands of islands. Much of it lives in memory and everyday practice rather than in books or museums.
Changing times bring both opportunity and risk. As generations pass, some of that knowledge can fade before it is recorded or handed on.
SANUR was established in response: to connect cultural practitioners, researchers, educators, and the wider public, so that heritage is not only protected but continues to be lived.
Our name reflects this: SANUR is short for Samuhita Nusantara — a commitment to the archipelago as a whole, with all its differences, rather than to a single culture.
Vision
To contribute to a society that values, preserves, and advances cultural heritage and artistic expression as an essential foundation for future generations.
Mission
- Support the preservation and continuity of cultural heritage.
- Encourage the development of arts and cultural expression.
- Promote cultural education and public awareness.
- Support research, documentation, and cultural knowledge.
- Develop meaningful partnerships across cultural institutions and communities.
Our Values
How we work
Six principles guide every program, partnership, and decision we make.
Preservation
We protect what matters so it can still be recognised and studied.
Integrity
We work honestly, openly, and accountably.
Creativity
We see tradition as a source of new ideas, not a fixed object.
Collaboration
We believe the best outcomes come from working together.
Inclusivity
The whole archipelago, in all its diversity, belongs here.
Sustainability
We consider the long-term consequences of every step.
Foundation Governance
Accountable by design
As a foundation, SANUR is governed by three bodies: the Foundation Board, which sets direction; the Supervisory Board, which oversees; and Executive Management, which runs day-to-day work. Their members will be formally announced once all administrative processes are complete.
Foundation Board
To be announced
Supervisory Board
To be announced
Executive Management
To be announced
Partnerships
Building bridges through culture.
We believe preservation and cultural development are stronger when carried out together. Partners can co-design programs, host activities, support research and publications, or share expertise and networks. Tell us what you have in mind, and we will explore the best form of collaboration together.
Partnership inquiry