Minister of Culture Wants Indonesian Culture to Be More Prominent in China

JAKARTA - Minister of Culture Fadli Zon considers that Indonesian culture must appear stronger in China. He conveyed this message when meeting students, Indonesian diaspora, academics, Indonesian language teachers, and the Indonesian community at the Indonesian Embassy in Beijing, China, Sunday, April 26.

The meeting held by the Indonesian Embassy in Beijing discussed the role of culture in Indonesia-China relations. Fadli assessed that political, economic, and security cooperation is not enough if it is not supported by relations between people.

According to Fadli, the relationship between Indonesia and China has lasted a very long time. The traces can be seen from archaeological findings, trade artifacts, 7th century Chinese ceramics in the archipelago, to the cultural acculturation that still lives in the tradition of the Indonesian people.

Therefore, he assessed that Indonesia needs to be more visible in China. Not only through official events, but also through works, languages, literature, artists, and communities that come into direct contact with the public.

"The Ministry of Culture continues to encourage the strengthening of the promotion of Indonesian culture in China through the exploration of the Indonesian Cultural House, cultural exhibitions, the sending of works and artists to various cultural festivals, the strengthening of the translation of literary works, as well as the development of the economy and the cultural industry based on intellectual property," said Fadli in a written statement received in Jakarta, Monday, April 27.

The dialogue also discussed the translation of Indonesian literary works into Mandarin. Another issue that emerged was support for student cultural activities, preservation of regional songs and languages, and opportunities for cultural cooperation between universities, communities, and institutions in China.

Fadli appreciated the role of the diaspora, students, PPI, academics, and Indonesian language teachers. They are considered to be the face of Indonesia that is closest to the Chinese people.

The meeting was attended by the Indonesian Ambassador to China Djauhari Oratmangun; Director General of Diplomacy, Promotion, and Cultural Cooperation Endah T.D. Retnoastuti; and Indonesianists and Indonesian cultural researchers, including the Director of the Center for Southeast Asian Studies, Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, Xu Liping.