Indonesia And Tunisia Build Cultural Cooperation And Art Exploration

JAKARTA - Cultural cooperation between countries such as Indonesia and Tunisia plays an important role in strengthening diplomatic relations as well as introducing the artistic heritage and traditions of each nation to the world.

This collaboration not only creates spaces for exchanging ideas and values, but also opens the way for cross-border creative initiatives, such as film production, art exhibitions, to joint educational programs.

In this context, the Minister of Culture Fadli Zon is exploring cultural partnership opportunities between Indonesia and Tunisia, both in bilateral and multilateral forums.

One concrete form of the collaboration is the plan to produce a documentary film about Hatem El Makki, an artist from Tunisia who was born in Batavia (now Jakarta).

This project is expected to be able to reintroduce the works of the legendary artists to the people of Indonesia and the international community.

"I had the opportunity to meet with the family members of Hatem El Makki in person. This initiative aims to showcase its rich cultural heritage, as well as expand the reach of the works of art he has produced," said Fadli Zon in a statement in Jakarta, Friday.

In his meeting with the Tunisian Ambassador to Indonesia, Mohamad Trabelsi, ahead of the 65th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries, Fadli emphasized the importance of updating a memorandum of understanding (MoU) related to the development of the cultural sector.

Furthermore, he mentioned that there are still many sectors that have great potential to be developed together, ranging from the film industry, joint production (co-production), to museum management and other cultural heritage.

Ambassador Trabelsi also emphasized the close relationship between Tunisia and Indonesia that has existed for a long time, not only from a diplomatic point of view, but also historically and culturally. He alluded to President Soekarno's support for Tunisian independence from France as well as the contribution of Hatem El Makki, a well-known Tunisian painter whose childhood was spent in Indonesia. His works are inspired by the tropical landscape and traditional motifs such as batik.

He also welcomed the idea of renewing cultural cooperation programs, especially those involving female artists. According to him, culture not only enriches the art sector, but is also able to become a bridge for economic growth, investment, and cross-cultural understanding between communities.