Indonesia and France have embarked on a collaborative journey to enhance cultural exchange, focusing on heritage conservation, film production, and the arts. This partnership aims to elevate the visibility of Indonesian culture in France while fostering opportunities for artistic collaboration between the two nations.
At a meeting in Paris on October 7, Indonesian Culture Minister Fadli Zon and French Culture Minister Catherine Pégard discussed a series of initiatives intended to bolster cultural ties. These include Indonesian music performances, exhibitions of traditional textiles and modern fashion, as well as displays of Indonesian fine art. This cooperation is rooted in the 2025 Borobudur Declaration, which seeks to deepen cultural connections and promote public engagement with the cultural heritage of both countries.
One of the primary focuses of this collaboration is heritage conservation. Indonesia has plans to work with the International Alliance for the Protection of Heritage in Conflict Areas (ALIPH) Foundation to revitalize 10 heritage sites across eight provinces. These sites include the Tjong A Fie Mansion in North Sumatra, the Betang Longhouse in West Kalimantan, and the historic district of Kota Tua in Jakarta, among others. The initiative follows the successful conservation of Wapauwe Mosque in Maluku in 2025. Additionally, discussions are underway to improve conservation methods and museum management, particularly in relation to Borobudur Temple, with support from France’s Centre des monuments nationaux.
The film industry is also a significant area of focus, with Indonesia planning to launch the Indonesia International Film Co-production Fund in 2027, aided by technical support from France’s National Centre for Cinema and the Moving Image. Furthermore, the two countries are preparing for the third Indonesia-France Film Lab at the JAFF Market to facilitate collaboration between filmmakers and enhance international film projects. There are also ongoing discussions to increase Indonesia’s representation at the Cannes Film Festival in 2028.
Overall, this expanded partnership is poised to create new avenues for cultural exchange, protect Indonesia’s historic landmarks, and strengthen collaborative efforts between Indonesian and French artists, filmmakers, and cultural institutions. The initiatives represent a mutual commitment to preserving cultural heritage while promoting artistic innovation and dialogue between the two nations.