JAKARTA - The Indonesian government has again shown its active role in international cultural diplomacy through the implementation of the 2025 Indonesian People's Market in Cape Town, South Africa.
The event, which was initiated by the Consulate General of the Republic of Indonesia (KJRI) Cape Town and supported by the Ministry of Culture of the Republic of Indonesia, was officially opened by the Minister of Culture Fadli Zon on Saturday (1/11).
This festival presents various rich pieces of art and traditions of the archipelago, ranging from the Saman dance, angklung performances, batik workshops, to Indonesian culinary dishes.
The entire series of activities are designed to strengthen relations between the Indonesian people and the South African public, especially the Cape Malay community, which is estimated to reach 2.7 million people.
"This is not just a cultural promotion, but a symbol of cross-border friendship and across generations," said Fadli Zon.
Fadli emphasized that the relationship between Indonesia and South Africa has long historical roots, even since the 17th century through the role of Sheikh Yusuf Al-Makassari in Cape Town. He assessed that the spirit of the 1955 Asia-Africa Conference, as well as the cooperation between the two countries in the G20 and BRICS forums, became a strong foundation for cross-regional collaboration.
Furthermore, Fadli said that strengthening the cultural sector is an important part of President Prabowo Subianto's government agenda. Indonesia, he said, is a country with 1,340 ethnic groups, 718 regional languages, and more than 2,200 unobjected cultural heritages that have been documented.
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"Tourism is a soft power nation that encourages creativity and innovation," he said.
He also highlighted the important contribution of the archipelago civilization to human history. According to Fadli, about 60 percent of the world's Homo-erectus fossils were found in Indonesia, including prehistoric sites in South Sulawesi, Sumatra, and Kalimantan.
"If the world recognizes Out of Africa's theory, we can also reflect on Out of Nusantara," he said.
In addition to exhibitions and cultural performances, the event is also coupled with the Indonesian Film Festival which features a number of national films such as Jumbo and Sore. Fadli added that the Indonesian film industry is now showing rapid growth with 151 films and 80 million viewers throughout 2024, which has contributed to the national creative economy.
The 2025 Indonesian People's Market has attracted great enthusiasm, with the presence of around 4,000 visitors from the Indonesian diaspora, the Cape Malay community, and the local people of South Africa.
"Hopefully the solidarity and brotherhood between the two nations will be stronger," concluded Fadli Zon.
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