Indonesia’s Culture Minister Fadli Zon welcomed plans for deeper collaboration with Kazakhstan during a meeting with Ambassador Mochammad Fadjroel Rachman, who represents Indonesia in both Kazakhstan and Tajikistan.

“In culture, what we are promoting is tradition, including silat (a martial art) as an Intangible Cultural Heritage,” Zon said in a press statement on Wednesday.

The discussion covered several strategic agendas: a cultural forum to coincide with President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev’s upcoming visit to Indonesia, strengthening the silat tradition, cooperation in film and performing arts, museum partnerships, and reinforcing a memorandum of understanding in the cultural sector.

Zon emphasized that silat embodies both art and sport, calling it “a valuable asset that can be developed from artistic and traditional perspectives,” including through exchanges with Kazakhstan.

He also encouraged Kazakh filmmakers to join the Jogja-NETPAC Asian Film Festival and JAFF Market, noting that co-production schemes could strengthen both countries’ film ecosystems.

Ambassador Rachman highlighted growing interest from Kazakh filmmakers, noting that “a Kazakh director is keen to produce a film at several locations in Indonesia.”

He added that Indonesian films have already been translated into Russian and screened in joint events.

Rachman further confirmed President Tokayev’s planned visit and the proposal for a cultural forum.

“In addition to political and business forums, a cultural forum featuring collaborative Indonesia-Kazakhstan performances is also planned,” he remarked.

Beyond film, he opened opportunities for museum cooperation and suggested Indonesia’s participation in the international singing competition Voice of Turan, which involves around 20 countries.

Such initiatives, he said, would strengthen Indonesia’s cultural presence in Central Asia.