South Africa Supports Indonesia's Cultural House Plan To Respect Sheikh Yusuf

Minister of Culture Fadli Zon met South African Culture Minister Gayton McKenzie to discuss the support of Indonesian Cultural Houses in Cape Town. (IST)

DURBAN - South Africa expressed full support for the plan to build an Indonesian Cultural House in Cape Town. The support was conveyed by South African Minister of Sports, Arts and Culture Gayton McKenzie to Indonesian Culture Minister Fadli Zon on the sidelines of the G20 Cultural Minister Meeting.

In a written statement received by VOI Thursday, October 30, it was stated that this Cultural House would be a symbol of the friendship between the two countries as well as a stronger cultural collaboration bridge going forward. This initiative was born from a common historical root that connects Indonesia and South Africa through the figure of Sheikh Yusuf al-Makassari.

The figure from South Sulawesi was exiled by the Dutch to Cape Town in the 17th century. His name has so far been respected as a symbol of anti-colonialism and identity struggle in South Africa.

Fadli Zon assesses that cultural diplomacy is a force that unites the nation, and Indonesian Cultural Houses can strengthen inter-citizen relations and open up creative economy exchange spaces.

South Africa's support complements Indonesia's active presence at the 2025 G20 Culture which places culture as a driving force for real global cooperation.