Loading
Search
▼ Indonesia and Japan Expand Cultural Cooperation for Future
- Category:Event
Indonesia and Japan have agreed to boost cultural cooperation as a long-term investment to deepen bilateral relations.
The commitment was highlighted during an official meeting between Indonesia’s Minister of Culture Fadli Zon and representatives of the Japanese Embassy in Jakarta, Tuesday, 27 January 2026.
During the meeting, Fadli Zon underscored that cultural collaboration goes beyond symbolic diplomacy and plays a strategic role in building long-term mutual understanding.
He outlined four priority areas of cooperation, including museum partnerships, revitalization of historical sites, repatriation of cultural artifacts, and a new, more comprehensive cultural memorandum of understanding.
“Cultural cooperation between Indonesia and Japan not only strengthens state-to-state relations, but also builds deeper mutual understanding and lasting friendship between the people of both nations,” Fadli Zon said.
One key topic discussed was the preservation of historical sites linked to Japan’s presence in Indonesia, including Japanese caves located in several regions.
In Bukittinggi, West Sumatra, such sites have evolved into cultural centers and historical tourism destinations, while similar sites in Kupang, East Nusa Tenggara, remain underdeveloped and require restoration.
“We see strong potential for cooperation in rehabilitating these sites, including the development of museums or open-air museums,” the minister said.
Fadli noted that proper revitalization, supported by Japan, would not only safeguard shared history, but also enhance educational value and cultural tourism. He said this approach aligns with Indonesia’s broader strategy of positioning culture as an asset for sustainable development.
The two sides also discussed expanding museum-to-museum collaboration, professional exchanges, and digitalization initiatives. Indonesia further encouraged discussions on a possible joint nomination for UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage, reflecting shared cultural elements between the two countries.
Repatriation of historical manuscripts and collections was another focus of the talks. Indonesia has been actively pursuing both physical and digital repatriation, following recent successes in the return of thousands of historical artifacts from abroad.
Meanwhile, Japanese Chargé d’Affaires ad interim, Mitsuru Myochin, welcomed the proposed cooperation and reaffirmed Japan’s commitment to cultural exchange.
“Japan, including through the Japan Foundation, is very open and enthusiastic about promoting sustainable cultural exchanges that strengthen mutual understanding,” he said.
Both sides expressed optimism that enhanced cultural cooperation would serve as a long-term investment, reinforcing cultural diplomacy, people-to-people ties, and concrete collaboration between Indonesia and Japan in the years ahead.
The commitment was highlighted during an official meeting between Indonesia’s Minister of Culture Fadli Zon and representatives of the Japanese Embassy in Jakarta, Tuesday, 27 January 2026.
During the meeting, Fadli Zon underscored that cultural collaboration goes beyond symbolic diplomacy and plays a strategic role in building long-term mutual understanding.
He outlined four priority areas of cooperation, including museum partnerships, revitalization of historical sites, repatriation of cultural artifacts, and a new, more comprehensive cultural memorandum of understanding.
“Cultural cooperation between Indonesia and Japan not only strengthens state-to-state relations, but also builds deeper mutual understanding and lasting friendship between the people of both nations,” Fadli Zon said.
One key topic discussed was the preservation of historical sites linked to Japan’s presence in Indonesia, including Japanese caves located in several regions.
In Bukittinggi, West Sumatra, such sites have evolved into cultural centers and historical tourism destinations, while similar sites in Kupang, East Nusa Tenggara, remain underdeveloped and require restoration.
“We see strong potential for cooperation in rehabilitating these sites, including the development of museums or open-air museums,” the minister said.
Fadli noted that proper revitalization, supported by Japan, would not only safeguard shared history, but also enhance educational value and cultural tourism. He said this approach aligns with Indonesia’s broader strategy of positioning culture as an asset for sustainable development.
The two sides also discussed expanding museum-to-museum collaboration, professional exchanges, and digitalization initiatives. Indonesia further encouraged discussions on a possible joint nomination for UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage, reflecting shared cultural elements between the two countries.
Repatriation of historical manuscripts and collections was another focus of the talks. Indonesia has been actively pursuing both physical and digital repatriation, following recent successes in the return of thousands of historical artifacts from abroad.
Meanwhile, Japanese Chargé d’Affaires ad interim, Mitsuru Myochin, welcomed the proposed cooperation and reaffirmed Japan’s commitment to cultural exchange.
“Japan, including through the Japan Foundation, is very open and enthusiastic about promoting sustainable cultural exchanges that strengthen mutual understanding,” he said.
Both sides expressed optimism that enhanced cultural cooperation would serve as a long-term investment, reinforcing cultural diplomacy, people-to-people ties, and concrete collaboration between Indonesia and Japan in the years ahead.
- 28/1 19:48
- Comment (0)
- Trackback(0)