Fadli Zon Inaugurates 'Time Network': Indonesian-Japanese Wastra Exhibition Shows Harmoni Dua Culture

JAKARTA - The Minister of Culture of the Republic of Indonesia, Fadli Zon, inaugurated the exhibition Time Network: Coloring and Weaving of Indonesian and Japanese Wastra at the National Museum of Indonesia, Friday, October 24. The exhibition of the collaboration of the National Museum of Indonesia and the National Museum of Tokyo is a symbol of cultural diplomacy that connects the two nations through the beauty of textiles.

A total of 26 collections of Japanese wastra from the Tokyo National Museum -- mostly in the form ofmen -- are exhibited in this activity. The exhibition was curated by Dr. Oyama Yuzuruha, Head of the Research Section of the Tokyo National Museum which has more than a decade of researching traditional wastra.

In his remarks, Fadli Zon emphasized that although the materials and techniques between Indonesia and Japan are different, the two honor the same principles: harmony with nature.

"Both through songket and shibori, through ikat or yuzen, all of these works share one essence: harmony between earth, soul, and future generations," said Fadli.

Fadli added, this collaboration is a tangible manifestation of Law no. 5 of 2017 concerning the Advancement of Culture, as well as strengthening Indonesian cultural diplomacy. This kind of effort, he said, not only preserves cultural heritage, but also encourages an inclusive and sustainable cultural economy.

"Towards 70 years of diplomatic relations between Indonesia and Japan in 2028, this collaboration shows that culture is a living dialogue, which we must continue to care for together," he said.

Meanwhile, Myochin Mitsuru, chargmenggung d'aflaires of the Japanese Embassy, expressed his appreciation for the holding of this exhibition. He highlighted Indonesian batik, which UNESCO recognizes as an Intangible Cultural Heritage, and is now increasingly gaining a place in the hearts of Japanese people.

This exhibition brings together Indonesian batik and ikat with Japanese coloring and weaving techniques. This is not just a textile exhibition, but a mirror of relationships that grow across generations, "said Mitsuru.

He hopes that the collaborative exhibition between the two museums will become a catalyst for friendship and expand cultural exchanges between Japan and Indonesia.

Present to accompany the Minister of Culture, among others, the Secretary General of the Ministry of Culture Bambang Wibawarta, Director General of Diplomacy and Culture Cooperation Endah TD Retnoastuti, Special Staff to Minister M. Asrian Mirza, Head of the Abi Kusno Museum and Cultural Heritage, as well as Executive Director of the Museum and Cultural Conservation Business Agency Esti Nurjadin. From the Japanese side, there was also the Executive Director of the Tokyo National Museum Makoto Fujiwara and Member of the Taraba Council.

The 'Time Network' exhibition is open to the public from October 25 to December 7, 2025. Every weekend a Japanese cultural workshop will be held, giving visitors the opportunity to get to know more about the textile relations between the two countries.

Through this exhibition, the public is invited to investigate the similarities in weaving techniques that developed in East Asia and Southeast Asia, and to reflect on the future of the textile cultural heritage that unites Indonesia and Japan.