Minister Of Culture Accompanied President Prabowo To Welcome Macron To Borobudur Temple

Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto With French President Emmanuel Macron At Borobudur Temple/ Photo: ANTARA

JAKARTA - The Minister of Culture of the Republic of Indonesia, Fadli Zon, participated in accompanying President Prabowo Subianto who was accompanying French Republic President Emmanuel Macron to Borobudur Temple, in the agenda of inauguration of the Cultural Strategic Partnership between Indonesia and France on Thursday (29/5).

Fadli Zon revealed that visits to the World Cultural Heritage site that UNESCO has recognized since 1991 could increase the spiritual values of history and conservation, to the preservation and universal values that exist in Borobudur.

"Borobudur Temple is a legacy of living civilization, not just a monument to the past, but a center of cultural inspiration that continues to grow. Through cultural diplomacy, Indonesia wants to make Borobudur the center of dialogue for Indonesian civilization and soft power on the global stage," said Fadli Zon through his official statement, Friday.

Not only that, he also emphasized that the commitment from the Ministry of Culture in the preservation and development of the sustainability of Indonesian cultural heritage is through a collaborative, scientific, and also inclusive approach.

On his occasion, President Prabowo conveyed that under this visit from the President of France, this reflected the similarity of values upheld by the two nations: respect for cultural heritage, inter-religious tolerance, and peace.

"I believe that only with friendship, kinship, and collaboration, we can realize a better life," said President Prabowo.

Meanwhile, the number one person in France said that he was amazed by Borobudur Temple which is a symbol of Indonesia's artistic and spiritual glory. According to him, this location is not just an ordinary monument, but a symbol of multiculturalism, and a universal message of tolerance.

"I am very proud because this is where, with great respect, we launched a strategic cultural partnership between Indonesia and France," Macron said.

During his visit to Borobudur Temple, Macron also explained the two main pillars of the partnerships carried out by the two countries in the realm of culture, namely World Heritage and the United States, including collaboration between IHA and the GrandPalaisrmn and the Guimet Museum, as well as a world heritage study program with UNESCO and educational institutions in France; as well as the Cultural and Creative Industry, in collaboration with the film sector (CNC and La Fremis), modes, games, gastronomi, and other digital cultural sectors.

Not only that, but the French president also emphasized the importance of support for young talents through inclusive funding schemes and creator exchanges.

To note, previously in the morning, Fadli together with French Culture Minister Rachida Dati had just signed five strategic cultural cooperations including the field of announcements, cinema, development of the capacity of young filmmakers, collection research and cultural heritage, to cooperation with the Guimet Museum.

The signing complements the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) regarding cultural cooperation that was signed the day before at the State Palace by the two Ministers.

Fadli also introduced Macron to representatives of young cultural actors and Indonesian art maestros from various fields, including performance arts, films, music, culinary, to creative technology.

President Macron was also seen interacting warmly and enthusiastically, as well as taking pictures with artists and cultural actors, marking the spirit of collaboration and cross-cultural friendship between the two countries.