Indonesia And Fiji Agree To Strengthen Cultural Diplomacy In The Pacific Region

Minister of Culture Fadli Zon / DOK IST

Minister of Culture Fadli Zon held a bilateral meeting with the Minister of iTaukei Affairs of the Republic of Fiji, Iferemi Vasu, on the sidelines of the 2025 Indonesia-Pacific Cultural Synergy (IPACS) international cultural forum in Kupang, East Nusa Tenggara.

This meeting marks concrete steps to strengthen Indonesia's cultural diplomacy with Pacific countries.

Accompanied by officials from the Ministry of Culture Director General of Diplomacy, Promotion, and Culture Cooperation Endah TD Retnoastuti, Expert Staff of the Minister for Law and Culture Policy Masyithoh Annisa Ramadhani, as well as Director of Cultural Cooperation Mardisontori and Director of Culture Promotion Undri Fadli Zon expressed his appreciation for Fiji's participation in IPACS 2025.

In the meeting which was also attended by representatives of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Fadli Zon offered a number of potential cooperation, such as the preparation of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in the field of culture, a people-to-people connection program, and the Joint Nomination of Non-Corruption Cultural Heritage (WBTb) to UNESCO, including the Bakar Batu tradition.

"The Bakar Batu tradition reflects solidarity and mutual cooperation. This can be a joint nomination of Pacific countries as a symbol of unity and identity," said Fadli Zon, Wednesday, November 12.

In response to this, Fiji's Minister of iTaukei Affairs positively welcomed the cooperation plan. "We are interested in collaborating with Indonesia, especially in UNESCO cooperation and strengthening the technology-based creative industry," said Iferemi Vasu.

He also highlighted the importance of empowering the younger generation as well as developing creative content and museums as a means of cultural learning. In addition, both parties discussed opportunities for scholarships for arts and culture as an effort to expand cross-cultural understanding in the region.

Fadli Zon stated that Indonesia is ready to share experiences through its various leading art institutions. "We are open to collaborative education and training in the fields of culture, arts, and cultural heritage," he said.

This meeting affirmed Indonesia and Fiji's commitment to strengthening cultural diplomacy as a bridge to friendship in the Indo-Pacific region. This collaboration is expected to enrich cultural exchange of values, strengthen regional identity, and encourage sustainable development rooted in cultural values and local wisdom.