Establishing Cultural Cooperation, Minister Of Culture Fadli Zon Affirms Indonesia's Support For Palestine

Minister of Culture Fadli Zon reiterated Indonesia's support for Palestine. (IST)

JAKARTA - Minister of Culture Fadli Zon emphasized Indonesia's commitment to continue to support Palestine, not only politically and humanity, but also through sustainable cultural cooperation. This was conveyed when he received the Palestinian Ambassador to Indonesia, Dr. Zuhair Alshun, at the Ministry of Culture office, Jakarta, Wednesday 16 April.

This meeting became a symbol of Indonesia's solidarity with the struggle of the Palestinian people, especially in Gaza. What happened in Palestine was not only genocide against the people, but also against their civilization and culture," said Fadli Zon in a written statement received Thursday, April 17.

On that occasion, Fadli expressed his deep condolences for the loss of thousands of lives, including Palestinian cultural figures. Data from the Institute for Palestine Studies noted that at least 195 cultural sites in Gaza were destroyed until early 2025, including the Omari Grand Mosque, the St. Porphyrious Church, and the Rasad al-Shawa Museum.

Fadli also mentioned a number of cultural figures who were victims, including the poet Refaat Alameer, journalist Safa Joudeh, architect Khaled Sabawi, and cultural activist Mona El-Farra. This is not just a humanitarian crisis, but also an attack on the cultural identity and collective memory of the Palestinian people," he stressed.

As a tangible form of support, the Minister of Culture Fadli Zon proposed strengthening cultural cooperation with Palestine. The programs designed include art exhibitions, film screenings, literary festivals, book translation, and public discussions with Palestinian writers.

Our solidarity is not only symbolic. This is a common value expression and a strong sense of brotherhood," said Fadli. He ensured that the Ministry of Culture would expand cultural diplomacy cooperation with the Palestinian Embassy in Jakarta.

"We want to continue to present Palestinian voices in Indonesian cultural spaces, and together fight for just and eternal peace and independence for Palestine," he concluded.