President Prabowo Visits India: Minister Fadli Zon Affirms Cultural Diplomacy

Jakarta Minister of Culture Fadli Zon emphasized the importance of cultural diplomacy when accompanying President Prabowo Subianto's state visit to India, January 24-26 2025. During the visit which coincided with the 76th Day of the Republic of India, Fadli Zon called cultural cooperation the key to strengthening Indonesia-India's historical relations that had existed since thousands of years ago.

"This visit is a strategic moment to strengthen cultural relations and deepen the historical heritage of the two countries," said Fadli Zon in a written statement, Friday (24/1).

One of the important agendas in this visit was the signing of the Cultural Exchange Program for the 2025-2028 Period with the Minister of Culture of India, Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat. This program includes various collaborations, ranging from performing arts, history, archeology, to protecting traditional knowledge.

In addition, Fadli Zon will also visit the Indian Museum in Kolkata to review the Pucangan inscription, an important artifact of the Hindu-Buddha era from Indonesia. This diplomatic effort is expected to encourage the repatriation of the inscription into the country as part of the protection of cultural heritage.

"India has demonstrated its commitment to protecting historical objects, as reflected in the G20 Kashi Cultural Pathway. We are optimistic that this collaboration will strengthen efforts to restore and protect shared cultural heritage," added Fadli Zon.

Furthermore, Fadli said, this visit to India is an important momentum to emphasize that Indonesia-India's strategic relations are not only in the context of political diplomacy, but also through strengthening sustainable cultural diplomacy.