RRI


 

The Indonesian Ministry of Culture has met with Japan's Minister of Education, Culture, Sports, Science, and Technology, Toshiko Abe, to discuss a repatriation protocol for the remains of Japanese soldiers who died in Indonesia during World War II. 

The meeting, which took place on Friday during the APEC High-Level Dialogue on Cultural and Creative Industries in Gyeongju, South Korea, concluded with an agreement to begin joint excavations and research.

"We discussed the follow-up to the repatriation protocol regarding the collection of Japanese soldiers' remains," said Indonesian Minister of Culture Fadli Zon in a press statement. 

He added that the talks also opened up opportunities for broader cooperation in cultural heritage protection, particularly by focusing on disaster risk reduction for historical sites and archives.

Minister Fadli emphasized that the meeting served to strengthen bilateral cultural ties between the two countries. "Since the establishment of diplomatic relations 65 years ago, both sides have agreed that culture is a foundation that reinforces cooperation in various fields," he said. 

He also reiterated the Indonesian government’s commitment to positioning culture as a key pillar of national development, viewing it not just as a heritage but as a strategic resource to strengthen the nation's identity.

Looking toward the future, both ministers agreed to encourage exchanges for artists and younger generations as a form of cultural diplomacy.

They expressed hope this initiative will deepen the relationship between the two nations, expand cross-cultural understanding, and create a space for creative collaboration. 

"We are determined to deepen our friendship and expand beneficial cooperation for our people," Minister Fadli concluded.