“Indonesia and Azerbaijan share many cultural values, as reflected in their social traditions and history. It is important for both countries to further explore ties in this area, especially in literature and cultural heritage,” Culture Minister Fadli Zon remarked.
He made the remarks during a meeting with Azerbaijani Ambassador to Indonesia Ramil Ryazev in Jakarta on Monday (Jan. 12), according to a statement cited on Tuesday.
Zon noted that the two countries have strong potential to deepen cooperation in a more structured and mutually beneficial manner by building on shared values and historical narratives.
The minister highlighted literary collaboration as one promising entry point, citing Azerbaijan’s Museum of Literature, which preserves the classic Layla and Majnun by Nizami Ganjavi.
According to him, the story’s thematic parallels with Indonesia’s Panji romantic epic could serve as a foundation for literary dialogue and broader cultural knowledge exchange between the two nations.
He also used the bilateral meeting to seek support for Indonesia’s aspiration to join Azerbaijan, Iran, Türkiye, and Uzbekistan as conominators of the Islamic tradition of iftar, or breaking the fast, which was inscribed as UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage in 2023.
In addition, Zon underscored opportunities for Indonesia and Azerbaijan to jointly propose other cultural elements for international recognition and urged both sides to finalize a memorandum of understanding (MoU) on cultural cooperation.
“This MoU is envisioned as a crucial instrument providing a legal basis for expanding cooperation, including reciprocal cultural activities in Indonesia and Azerbaijan,” Zon stated.
He also underscored Indonesia’s efforts to reaffirm its presence at the Islamic World Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), citing the body’s strategic role in fostering cultural partnerships among Islamic nations.
Ambassador Ryazev echoed the sentiment, noting that Indonesia and Azerbaijan share similar traditions and social values despite geographical distance. He said this reality opens doors for both countries to strengthen cultural ties.
He also highlighted the growing interest in Indonesia’s language, history, and culture among Azerbaijani youth, fostered through various academic and cultural programs in Azerbaijan.
The ambassador also sought Jakarta’s support for organizing Azerbaijan Cultural Days in Indonesia and highlighted plans to present the e-book Karabakh Khanate.
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Translator: Hreeloita D, Tegar Nurfitra
Editor: M Razi Rahman
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