The closeness among neighboring countries is obvious, as they share the similar culture and traditions
Sarawak, Malaysia (ANTARA) - Indonesia sent a 120-member delegation to the Festival of Arts and Culture held in Kuching, Malaysia.

"We have agreed on organizing this festival along with Brunei Darussalam, the Philippines, and Malaysia to strengthen our friendship," Director of Cultural Heritage and Diplomacy of the Indonesian Education and Culture Ministry Nadjamuddin Ramli stated here on Wednesday.

The Philippines initiated the festival in a bid to deepen relations among Southeast Asian countries, he noted.

"The closeness among neighboring countries is obvious, as they share the similar culture and traditions. Their languages and physical appearances are also similar," he pointed out.

Kuching hosted the second edition of the Arts and Culture Festival, while the first one was organized in the Philippines, and Brunei Darussalam will organize the third festival, he remarked.

"Indonesia will likely be the host of the fourth edition of the festival," he stated.

Indonesia has planned to hold the festival at an attractive tourist destination beyond Bali.

"We might take them to Yogyakarta or West Nusa Tenggara. As the host, we want to prepare the event in Yogyakarta, so the participants would also be able to visit the Prambanan and Borobudur Temples. If there is no problem, we will organize a cultural event in Prambanan at night," the official stated.

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Translator: Andilala/Slamet A, Fardah
Editor: Sri Haryati
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