Attending Public Lectures At UNTL, Fadli Zon Calls Indonesia And Timor Leste Brothers Culturally

Minister of Culture Fadli Zon after giving a public lecture at UNTL. (IST)

DILI Minister of Culture of the Republic of Indonesia Fadli Zon emphasized that Indonesia and Timor Leste are not just geographically neighbors, but brothers historically and culturally.

These two nations are bound by the same history, language, and values. From traditional rituals to ikat weaving, we share cultural roots that strengthen togetherness, "said Fadli in a public lecture at Universidade Nacional Timor Lorosa (UNTL), Dili, Tuesday, October 7.

The public lecture with the theme 'Indonesia's Bilateral Relations' Timor Leste through Cultural Diplomacy' became part of Menbud Fadli's state visit to Dili, coinciding with the 23th anniversary of Indonesia's diplomatic relations' Timor Leste.

Fadli said, cultural diplomacy is an important foundation in strengthening international relations. "Efforts are effective soft power to build mutual understanding and an inclusive future," he said.

As a concrete step, Fadli inaugurated the Indonesian Cultural Center in Dili, the day before the public lecture took place. This facility will be a study and work space for artists, culturalists, and the people of the two countries. I want Indonesian Cultural Houses to be the center of dialogue that deepens friendship," said Fadli.

He also announced the plan to open the Indonesian Friendship Museum Timor Leste at Taman Mini Indonesia Indah (TMII), which will occupy the former East Timor Pavilion. This museum will be a symbol of brotherhood between the two nations through the exhibition of wastra, music, and dance.

Fadli added that Indonesia's cultural wealth includes 1,340 ethnic groups, 718 regional languages, and thousands of intangible cultural heritages is a big capital in cultural diplomacy. "Efforts are the face of Indonesian humanity in front of the world," he said.

In President Prabowo Subianto's leadership, Fadli called the formation of the Ministry of Culture a new milestone in Indonesian history.

"For the first time since independence, Indonesia has a ministry that specifically carries out missions to preserve, develop, and strengthen the nation's cultural diplomacy," he said.

Fadli also opens opportunities for cultural cooperation with Timor Leste, ranging from the exchange of artists, film festivals, joint residence, to the collaboration of weaving and the production of documentaries. With the spirit of mutual respect and development, cultural diplomacy will continue to be a bridge to Indonesia's brotherhood' Timor Leste," he concluded.