Indonesia and France are enhancing their cultural collaboration by embarking on a series of initiatives aimed at heritage conservation, film production, and the arts. The objective is to elevate the presence of Indonesian culture in France while fostering greater cultural exchange between the two nations. This development came to light following a meeting on October 7 in Paris between Indonesian Culture Minister Fadli Zon and French Culture Minister Catherine Pégard, where they discussed a range of joint cultural programs.
The proposed initiatives include Indonesian music performances, fashion exhibitions that highlight traditional textiles and modern designs, and art exhibitions showcasing Indonesian fine art. This partnership builds on the 2025 Borobudur Declaration, which seeks to strengthen cultural ties and encourage greater public engagement with both countries’ cultural heritage.
Significant efforts in heritage conservation are part of this collaboration, with Indonesia planning to work with the International Alliance for the Protection of Heritage in Conflict Areas (ALIPH) Foundation to rejuvenate ten priority heritage sites across eight provinces. Notable sites include the Tjong A Fie Mansion in North Sumatra and the Borobudur Temple in Central Java. The ongoing discussions also involve improving conservation methods and museum management with input from France’s Centre des monuments nationaux.
In the realm of film, the partnership is focusing on establishing the Indonesia International Film Co-production Fund by 2027, with technical backing from France’s National Centre for Cinema and the Moving Image. Additionally, preparations for the third Indonesia-France Film Lab at the JAFF Market are underway, aiming to fortify collaborations between filmmakers and bolster international film projects.
The two countries are also exploring ways to increase Indonesia’s representation at the Cannes Film Festival in 2028. Through these cultural endeavors, Indonesia and France anticipate creating new opportunities for exchange, safeguarding Indonesia’s historic sites, and enhancing cooperation among artists, filmmakers, and cultural institutions from both countries.