Indonesia-Morocco Expand Cultural Diplomacy, Target Film to Creative Economy

JAKARTA - Indonesia and Morocco open the opportunity for wider cooperation in the fields of film, music, education, research, tourism, and creative economy. Culture is chosen as a gateway to strengthen relations between the two countries amid an increasingly complex geopolitical situation.

Minister of Culture Fadli Zon said cultural diplomacy is an effective soft power to build trust and open dialogue between communities.

"In the midst of an increasingly complex geopolitical landscape, cultural diplomacy is one of the most effective forms of soft power," said Fadli at the Indonesian-Moroccan Art Night at the Ministry of Culture Complex, Jakarta, Tuesday (28/7).

According to Fadli, cultural cooperation should not stop at art performances. The exchange of artists, preservation of cultural heritage, film and music collaboration, academic research, and the development of the cultural industry need to be followed up.

Fadli assessed that the relationship between Indonesia and Morocco has a long historical root. The exchange of knowledge, traditions, and cultural values has connected the two nations for centuries.

The collaboration of traditional music presented in the event, said Fadli, shows that two cultures can meet without losing their respective identities. Sufi and Andalusian music from Morocco is combined with the richness of ethnic and religious music in Nusantara.

The Ambassador of the Kingdom of Morocco to Indonesia, Redouane Houssaini, said that culture is one of the strongest bridges in inter-state relations. The meeting of musicians from the two countries is considered to reflect the dialogue and friendship that has been built.

"Through this cultural performance, we hope that the Indonesian people can get to know a part of the soul and cultural heritage of Morocco, as well as open up wider collaboration opportunities," said Redouane.

The Indonesian-Moroccan Art Night featured the reading of poems by Taufiq Ismail, the performance of the Muara music group, and Melodies of Al-Andalus. The event was closed with a collaboration between Indonesian and Moroccan musicians performing traditional songs from both countries.

The activity was also attended by Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Anis Matta, Deputy Minister of Culture Giring Ganesha Djumaryo, and a number of officials from the Ministry of Culture.