60 Years of Indonesia-Uruguay Relations Celebrated Through Art Exhibition at the National Gallery

JAKARTA - The diplomatic relations between Indonesia and Uruguay that have been established for 60 years are celebrated through a different path than usual. Not through political forums or economic cooperation, but through an art exhibition that brings together the cultural expressions of the two countries.

The art exhibition entitled Panorámica was officially opened by Minister of Culture Fadli Zon at the National Gallery of Indonesia, Jakarta, Thursday (4/6). This exhibition is the result of cooperation between the Embassy of the Oriental Republic of Uruguay with the Ministry of Culture of the Republic of Indonesia.

Fadli Zon said that relations between countries are not only built through political and trade diplomacy. Culture also has an important role as a bridge that brings together people from different backgrounds.

"Through Panorámica, the Indonesian people have a valuable opportunity to explore the richness of Uruguai's artistic expression which reflects the history, cultural identity, and dynamics of the life of its people," said Fadli.

According to Fadli, the works on display show how art can be a universal language that transcends geographical boundaries and strengthens relations between communities.

The exhibition presents the works of two Uruguayan artists, namely Luis Fabini and Manuel Rodríguez, who offer a different way of looking at the landscape and the human relationship with nature.

Luis Fabini presents a photographic work that documents the life of the gaucho, a shepherd who is an important part of the Uruguayan cultural identity. Through his photos, Fabini depicts a simple rural life, the toughness of field workers, and the close relationship between humans and nature.

Meanwhile, Manuel Rodríguez presents a series of watercolor paintings, Watercolor Infinite Dawn, which explores the landscape as a space of reflection. Through the gentle application of color, he invites visitors to enjoy a calm, contemplative, and ever-changing panorama.

The Ambassador of Uruguay to Indonesia, Cristina González, said that this exhibition was an important momentum to introduce the cultural identity of her country to the Indonesian people.

"Panorámica represents the spirit of Uruguay as well as showing universal values that are also close to Indonesian culture, such as the relationship between humans and nature, tradition, and identity," he said.

This exhibition was also held at a time when Indonesian contemporary art is increasingly active on the international stage. In recent years, the works of Indonesian artists have increasingly appeared in various museums, biennials, and world exhibitions, bringing issues ranging from cultural identity to social and technological change.

In addition to the exhibition of art works, Panorámica also presents a public forum with Manuel Rodríguez as well as screenings of Uruguayan films.

The exhibition curated by Alam Wisesha and Karamina Puspitasari is open to the public from June 5 to 28, 2026 at the D Building of the National Gallery of Indonesia, Jakarta.

Through this exhibition, the Indonesian public can see another side of Uruguay through works of art that record the life of the community, natural landscape, and the cultural identity of the country which have rarely been exposed in Indonesia.