Indonesia and France are deepening their cultural cooperation through a series of initiatives aimed at enhancing cultural exchange and preserving heritage. This collaboration, reinforced during a meeting on October 7 in Paris between Indonesian Culture Minister Fadli Zon and French Culture Minister Catherine Pégard, is set to broaden the visibility of Indonesian culture in France and foster joint cultural programs.
The partnership includes a focus on heritage conservation, with Indonesia planning to collaborate with the International Alliance for the Protection of Heritage in Conflict Areas (ALIPH) Foundation to revitalize ten priority heritage sites across eight provinces. These sites include the Tjong A Fie Mansion in North Sumatra, Jakarta’s Kota Tua historic district, and the Borobudur Temple in Central Java, among others. This initiative follows the successful conservation of the Wapauwe Mosque in Maluku in 2025.
In addition to heritage projects, the partnership aims to bolster the film industry. Indonesia is working towards establishing the Indonesia International Film Co-production Fund, set to launch in 2027 with support from France’s National Centre for Cinema and the Moving Image. Furthermore, the two countries are planning the third Indonesia-France Film Lab at the JAFF Market, designed to encourage collaboration among filmmakers and enhance international film projects.
The collaboration also seeks to promote Indonesian fine art and fashion, with plans for exhibitions showcasing both traditional textiles and modern designs. Indonesian music performances and literary exchanges are also part of the broader initiative to strengthen cultural ties between the two nations.
This enhanced partnership builds on the 2025 Borobudur Declaration, which aims to increase public engagement with cultural heritage. By focusing on heritage conservation and creative partnerships, Indonesia and France hope to create new opportunities for cultural exchange, protect Indonesia’s historic sites, and strengthen cooperation between artists, filmmakers, and cultural institutions of both countries.