Indonesia and Qatar Prepare Cultural Agenda to Celebrate 50 Years of Diplomatic Relations

Minister of Culture Fadli Zon when receiving the Ambassador of Qatar to Indonesia Sultan bin Mubarak Saad Al-Dosari at the Ministry of Culture Office, Senayan, Jakarta, Wednesday, August 5. (IST)

JAKARTA - Indonesia and Qatar are starting to prepare a number of cultural agendas ahead of the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries. The plan was discussed by Minister of Culture Fadli Zon when he received the Ambassador of Qatar to Indonesia Sultan bin Mubarak Saad Al-Dosari at the Ministry of Culture Office, Senayan, Jakarta, Wednesday, August 5.

The meeting discussed the potential for cultural cooperation, including an agenda to commemorate the Golden Jubilee of Indonesian-Qatari diplomatic relations. The two countries have maintained diplomatic relations since 1976.

One of the agendas discussed was a stamp exhibition featuring various Indonesian and Qatari cultures.

Fadli said Qatar has great attention in the development of culture. He mentioned a number of cultural areas and institutions in Qatar, such as the Museum of Islamic Art, Qatar National Library, and Katara Cultural Village.

"We admire that the State of Qatar is increasingly actively participating in caring for and developing its culture, because one of our greatest strengths is in its culture," said Fadli.

During the meeting, Fadli and Ambassador Al-Dosari also discussed the collection of paintings at the Ministry of Culture's office. One of them is the painting of Syekh Yusuf Al-Makassari, a figure who became a national hero in Indonesia and South Africa.

Fadli explained that Sheikh Yusuf Al-Makassari was a scholar and Sufi who brought the teachings of Islam to South Africa and Sri Lanka. He was exiled to several countries and died in South Africa.

"He is the only figure who was appointed as a national hero in two countries, namely Indonesia and South Africa. Even Nelson Mandela called Sheikh Yusuf Al-Makassari as one of the best African sons," said Fadli.

Ambassador Al-Dosari welcomed the plan for Indonesian-Qatari cultural cooperation. He also proposed collaboration for the celebration of Qatar National Day.

A number of proposed agendas include painting exhibitions and orchestra performances.

Fadli encouraged the signing of a memorandum of understanding or MoU as an umbrella for cultural cooperation between the two countries. According to Fadli, this cooperation needs to be translated into concrete agendas.

The meeting was also attended by Second Secretary Saad Mohammed I.M. Al-Emadi and political researcher Hayder Alhadey. From the Ministry of Culture, the Director General of Diplomacy, Promotion and Cultural Cooperation Endah T.D. Retnoastuti and the Expert Staff of the Minister for Inter-Institutional Relations Ismunandar were present.