Indonesia House Amsterdam Is Expected To Strengthen Indonesia's Cultural And Creative Economy Diplomacy In Europe

Minister of Culture Fadli Zon visited Indonesian cultural homes in Amsterdam, the Netherlands. (IST)

AMSTERDAM - Indonesia House Amsterdam must be a bridge between Indonesia's creativity and the world. This statement was conveyed by the Minister of Culture Fadli Zon while inspecting the Indonesian government's building in downtown Amsterdam, Friday, June 13, 2025.

During the visit, Fadli carried a big mission. Making Indonesia House Amsterdam (IHA) a center for promoting culture, creative economy, and diplomacy across Indonesian sectors in Europe.

Accompanied by the Indonesian Ambassador to the Kingdom of the Netherlands, Mayerfas, Fadli emphasized that strengthening the function of IHA will be a priority for his ministry. This is not an ordinary building. This is where we have to present a dynamic, innovative, and open face of Indonesia," said Fadli.

The IHA building, which used to be the office of the former Indonesian Consulate General, has undergone major renovations and was re-opened on September 17, 2024. Now, this building has transformed into an active center of cultural activity. From art exhibitions, children's literature literacy in Dutch, sending art maestros of various disciplines, to inter-cultural dialogue forums.

The IHA facility is quite complete. There is a space for showing off, auditoriums, and multifunctional areas that have been used for culinary promotions, art performances, fashion, and creative economy discussions. For Fadli, all of this is not just a routine of activities, but part of a concrete diplomatic strategy.

"We need a stage like this abroad. Not only to show off culture, but also to build an ecosystem involving diaspora, young artists, creative industry players, and international partners," he said.

IHA is not just a cultural storefront space. It must function as a living laboratory for Indonesian culture abroad. This is a space for dialogue, network space, and diplomacy space. We must ensure this is active, productive, and relevant," said Fadli.

With this step, the government hopes that IHA can strengthen cooperation in Indonesian-Dutch culture, open up opportunities for collaborative education, and expand Indonesian public diplomacy throughout Europe. Fadli calls it the hub of Indonesian economic and cultural diplomacy' in the region.