Kemenbud Continues Cooperation In The Field Of Indonesian-France Culture

The Minister of Culture of the Republic of Indonesia, Fadli Zon, received an honorary visit from the French Ambassador to Indonesia, Fabien Penone, at Building E, Ministry of Culture, Jakarta. This meeting aims to strengthen the friendship between the two countries that have long existed between Indonesia and France and follow up on the meeting between President Prabowo Subianto and President Emmanuel Macron in Borobudur some time ago.

On this occasion, Menbud Fadli Zon said, "We welcome the historic meeting between President Prabowo Subianto and President Emmanuel Macron on May 28, 2025 in Jakarta, and appreciate the ongoing support from Ambassador Fabien Penone and the French Embassy in Indonesia for the success of the meeting".

Menbud Fadli Zon expressed his deep appreciation for Mrs. Rachida Dati's dedication and leadership, the Minister of Culture of France.

A series of constructive bilateral meetings with Minister Dati recently made significant progress on the cultural agenda between the two countries. His commitment to meaningful collaboration has opened up new opportunities, especially for the younger generation, creative actors, and institutions in both countries," he said.

In addition, the Minister of Culture is also looking forward to the follow-up from both parties after the signing of a Letter of Intent (LoI) in Borobudur, which is an important milestone in the partnership between the two countries, particularly in fields, such as LoI between the Grand Palais (RMN) & the Public Service Agency of Museums and Cultural Conservation (IHA), LoI between the National Du Cinéma Center (CNC) & the Ministry of Culture of the Republic of Indonesia, LoI between La FEmis & Ministry of Culture of the Republic of Indonesia, and LoI between the franque frany d Extrme-Orient (EFEO) & IHA, and LoI between Musmen Guimet & IHA.

Meanwhile, French Ambassador, Fabien Penone, in connection with this opportunity expressed his gratitude for the extraordinary state visit.

The visit was very successful, President Macron was very happy, as was the whole delegation. I also interviewed the French Minister of Culture, as you know, it was the first time a French Minister of Culture visited Indonesia. He was very impressed and he was also willing to encourage relations between France and Indonesia. He also expressed his appreciation," he said.

French Ambassador, Fabien Penone, said that this state visit was very important for cultural relations between the two countries. Fabien conveyed the two main points he wanted to convey at this meeting.

The first is to place France-Indonesia relations in the right category, ending Indonesia with large developing countries as long-term strategic partners. Second, building short-term projects that can continue in the long term, sustainable and structured cooperation in the spirit of partnership, with mutual funding, strengthening projects," he explained.

He also said that yesterday's state visit was to show that the two countries were building a comprehensive partnership not only in the field of defense which is the main pillar, but also in the field of culture.

"I have to say that the meeting in Borobudur, although diverse, had a big impact in France. It was also reported in the newspapers here and in France. So, it is now increasingly strengthened that defense is important, but cultural partnerships are equally important. President Macron and Mrs. Rachida Dati are very happy to meet young filmmakers, actresses, and Indonesian designers," he said.

He emphasized that there were further discussions to establish a more in-depth relationship between museums, cultural heritage institutions, and cultural institutions of the two countries.

Dalam pertemuan ini, Menbud Fadli Zon menyampaikan beberapa poin tambahan terkait kekemitraan bilateral kedua negara, misalnya Pertemuan Tingkat Tinggi di Bidang Kebudayaan di Paris sehubungan dengan Bastille Day Visit.

"We understand that the meeting will involve various leading cultural institutions in France, including museums, film and audiovisual schools, as well as fashion and design institutions," said Menbud Fadli.

Menbud Fadli said he had received proposals from the Ministry of Culture of France and the French Embassy in Jakarta to involve IHA and other partners as part of the delegation.

"Regarding the artists and cultural actors who previously participated in the meeting in Borobudur, we are open to inviting them back to this meeting," he concluded.

In addition, Menbud Fadli also welcomed the planned visit of Ga total Bruel, President of the Centre National du Cinéma et de l'image annim haram (CNC), to Indonesia in July.

"We are happy to arrange a meeting in Jakarta to follow up on the MoU between CNC and the Ministry of Culture of Indonesia, as well as explore the potential for concrete collaboration under the agreement," he explained.