Canadian Minister of Culture Bidik to Strengthen Indonesian Cultural Diplomacy through Film and Diaspora

JAKARTA - Minister of Culture Fadli Zon wants to make cultural diplomacy as one of the main doors to strengthen relations between Indonesia and Canada. Films, cultural festivals, to the role of the diaspora are considered to be a great capital to expand the influence of Indonesian culture on the international stage.

The idea was conveyed by Fadli when he had a dialogue with the Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary Ambassador (LBBP) of the Republic of Indonesia to Canada, Muhsin Syihab, at the Ministry of Culture Office, Jakarta, Tuesday, June 30, 2026.

According to Fadli, Indonesia has cultural wealth that can become a diplomatic strength as well as strengthen relations between the two countries.

"We have a variety of cultures that are added value in bilateral cooperation. Cultural diplomacy has proven effective in building soft power or a country's influence through culture, not military or economic power," he said.

One of the instruments considered the most effective is the film industry. Fadli sees that Canada has a number of international film festivals that can open wider avenues for Indonesian filmmakers.

According to him, events such as the Toronto International Film Festival and the Montreal International Film Festival can be used as a showcase for Indonesian films to reach the global market.

In addition to opening access to festivals in Canada, the Ministry of Culture also continues to support Indonesian filmmakers to participate in various other international film festivals.

During the meeting, Fadli also proposed the award of cultural awards to Indonesian diaspora and foreign citizens who were considered to have contributed to the advancement of Indonesian culture.

The proposed awards cover various fields, ranging from cultural preservation, historical research, traditions, to contemporary cultural works.

To support the program, Fadli encouraged the Indonesian Embassy in Ottawa to play an active role in proposing individuals and communities who deserve the award.

Meanwhile, Muhsin Syihab assessed that the opportunity for cultural cooperation between Indonesia and Canada is still very open.

According to him, the promotion of Indonesian culture can be expanded through festivals, cultural activities, and various official agendas organized by the Indonesian Embassy in Ottawa.

The dialogue was also attended by the Director General of Diplomacy, Promotion, and Cultural Cooperation Endah T.D. Retnoastuti and the Expert Staff of the Minister for Economic and Cultural Industry Anindita Kusuma Listya.