"This is an important milestone in the journey of cultural diplomacy between Indonesia and France. In these collaborations, we are not merely establishing relations between institutions but also connecting cultural actors and building a space for collaboration across civilizations and generations," Minister of Culture Fadli Zon noted in a statement on Friday.
The agreement was signed by Minister Zon and French Minister of Culture Rachida Dati during the Indonesia-France Cultural Dialogue forum, as part of President Emmanuel Macron's official state visit to Indonesia at the Borobudur Temple in Magelang on Thursday.
The five commitments represent concrete steps in the Strategic Cultural Partnership previously agreed upon by President Prabowo Subianto and French President Emmanuel Macron on May 28, 2025, in Jakarta, as part of the Indonesia-France Joint Vision 2050.
The agreement covers cooperation in the museum sector between the Indonesian Ministry of Culture and the French Ministry of Culture, including joint exhibitions, curatorial exchanges, and digitization of collections to improve public access.
The two countries also collaborate in the field of film and audiovisual arts between the Indonesian Ministry of Culture and the Centre national du cinéma et de l’image animée (CNC), focusing on building a robust film ecosystem through filmmaker exchanges, co-productions, and collaboration in various film festivals.
This was followed by cooperation in film capacity development between the Indonesian Ministry of Culture and La Fémis to develop residency, training, and mentoring programs for young Indonesian filmmakers.
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Additionally, there is collaboration in research and collection studies between the BLU Museum and Cultural Heritage (IHA) and the École française d’Extrême-Orient (EFEO).
According to the minister, the collaboration creates more opportunities for cross-disciplinary studies related to the history, archaeology, epigraphy, and manuscripts of Southeast Asia, particularly those related to Indonesian heritage.
There is also collaboration between the Museum and Cultural Heritage (IHA) and the Guimet Museum in museums and cultural heritage, focusing on aspects of collections and public education, as well as the formation of thematic exhibitions for both countries.
“Collaboration between countries must directly involve the actors and drivers of cultural innovation. They determine the future of Indonesian and world culture," he emphasized.
He then noted that Minister Dati appreciated the involvement of young Indonesian talents showcasing the progress and diversity of the Indonesian cultural ecosystem, from traditional to contemporary, as well as digital and popular culture.
"We want Indonesia to be recognized not only for its past heritage but also for our creativity and cultural innovation, as well as its enormous potential in the future," he remarked.
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Translator: Hreeloita Dharma S, Resinta Sulistiyandari
Editor: Yuni Arisandy Sinaga
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