Indonesia and France Seal Strategic Cultural Partnership

TheIndonesia.co - Indonesia and France have officially signed five key frameworks to strengthen their strategic collaboration in the cultural sector, marking a new chapter in their long-standing diplomatic and cultural ties.

“This is a pivotal moment in the journey of cultural diplomacy between Indonesia and France,” said Minister of Culture Fadli Zon in a statement from Jakarta on Friday, according to Antara News Agency.

“Through these five agreements, we are not merely establishing institutional relationships but also creating platforms for cultural exchange across civilizations and generations.”

The agreements were formalized during the Indonesian–French Cultural Dialogue held at Borobudur Temple in Magelang on Thursday, May 29th, 2025. The signing was carried out by Minister Fadli Zon and French Minister of Culture Rachida Dati, as part of the official state visit by French President Emmanuel Macron to Indonesia.

These five commitments represent concrete action steps stemming from the broader Strategic Cultural Partnership endorsed by President Prabowo Subianto and President Emmanuel Macron on May 28th in Jakarta. The partnership is a key component of the Joint Vision Indonesia–France 2050.

The first area of cooperation focuses on museum collaboration between the Ministry of Culture of Indonesia and the French Ministry of Culture. It includes joint exhibitions, curatorial exchanges, and the digitization of museum collections to enhance public accessibility and engagement with cultural heritage.

The second agreement targets film and audiovisual cooperation between the Indonesian Ministry of Culture and France’s Centre national du cinéma et de l’image animée (CNC). The initiative aims to build a robust film ecosystem through filmmaker exchanges, co-productions, and joint participation in international film festivals.

The third area involves capacity building in film, in partnership with La Fémis, France’s prestigious national film school. This collaboration will facilitate residency programs, training, and mentorship for emerging Indonesian filmmakers, helping to nurture a new generation of creative talent.

The fourth agreement emphasizes research and collection studies, connecting Indonesia’s Heritage and Museum Agency (IHA) with the French School of Asian Studies (École française d’Extrême-Orient/EFEO). This academic partnership will support interdisciplinary studies in history, archaeology, epigraphy, and Southeast Asian manuscripts—particularly those related to Indonesian heritage.

The final framework deepens museum and cultural heritage collaboration between IHA and France’s Musée Guimet. This includes shared work on collection development, public education programs, and the co-creation of thematic exhibitions showcasing the cultural richness of both nations.

“International collaboration must directly involve cultural practitioners and today’s creative innovators,” Fadli added. “It is from them that the future face of Indonesian and global culture will be shaped.”

Minister Fadli also noted that his French counterpart, Rachida Dati, expressed admiration for the diversity and vitality of Indonesia’s cultural ecosystem—ranging from traditional arts to contemporary expressions and the expanding realm of digital and popular culture.

“The presence of these cultural talents reflects a living, dynamic cultural ecosystem,” Fadli stated. “We want the world to know Indonesia not only for its past heritage, but also for the creativity and innovation we cultivate today, and the immense potential we offer for the future.”

He also reiterated Indonesia’s openness to international cooperation that supports the advancement of national culture while strengthening its contributions to global cultural discourse.