Indonesia and France are enhancing their cultural collaboration with a focus on heritage conservation, film production, and the arts, aiming to increase the visibility of Indonesian culture in France and promote cultural exchange between the two nations. This initiative was discussed during a meeting in Paris on October 7, where Indonesian Culture Minister Fadli Zon and French Culture Minister Catherine Pégard outlined plans for joint cultural programs. These programs include Indonesian music performances, fashion exhibitions featuring traditional textiles and modern designs, and art exhibitions showcasing Indonesian fine art.
The cooperation builds on the 2025 Borobudur Declaration, designed to strengthen cultural ties and engage the public with the cultural heritage of both countries. A significant aspect of this partnership involves heritage conservation and restoration. Indonesia plans to collaborate with the International Alliance for the Protection of Heritage in Conflict Areas (ALIPH) Foundation to revitalize ten priority heritage projects across eight provinces. This follows the successful conservation of the Wapauwe Mosque in Maluku.
The heritage sites targeted for revitalization include Tjong A Fie Mansion in North Sumatra, the Betang Longhouse in West Kalimantan, Jakarta’s Kota Tua historic district and Maritime Museum, Borobudur Temple in Central Java, Sendangduwur Village in East Java, and Leang Karampuang Cave in South Sulawesi. Other projects involve the Mabur vernacular house in East Nusa Tenggara, Santo Petrus and Paulus Church, Kaitetu Traditional Village, and Rumphius Museum in Maluku. Minister Zon emphasized the importance of protecting Borobudur Temple’s historic reliefs from environmental pressures and climate change, with ongoing discussions on improving conservation methods and museum management through cooperation with France’s Centre des monuments nationaux.
In addition to heritage conservation, the film industry is a major focus of the partnership. Indonesia is working towards establishing the Indonesia International Film Co-production Fund, set to launch in 2027 with technical support from France’s National Centre for Cinema and the Moving Image. The two countries are also preparing for the third Indonesia-France Film Lab at the JAFF Market to foster collaboration between filmmakers and strengthen international film projects.
Further discussions are underway to increase Indonesia’s presence at the Cannes Film Festival in 2028. This expanded partnership between Indonesia and France is expected to create new avenues for cultural exchange, protect Indonesia’s historic sites, and bolster cooperation between artists, filmmakers, and cultural institutions from both countries.