RRI.CO.ID, Paris - Indonesia and France have moved to solidify their cultural diplomacy by signing several landmark agreements aimed at professionalizing museum management and expanding cinematic collaboration. The partnerships were formalized during a bilateral meeting between Indonesian Culture Minister Fadli Zon and French Culture Minister Catherine Pégard in Paris on Wednesday, April 22, 2026.

This meeting serves as the primary implementation of the Borobudur Declaration, a strategic cultural framework previously initiated by President Prabowo Subianto and President Emmanuel Macron. The discussions signaled a shift from symbolic diplomacy toward a more technical and industrial exchange, focusing heavily on digital transformation and the preservation of heritage sites.

As a concrete manifestation of this alliance, the two nations oversaw the signing of cooperation agreements between the École du Louvre and the Indonesia Heritage Agency (IHA), as well as between the Centre des Monuments Nationaux (CMN) and the Indonesian state-owned tourism holding, InJourney. These partnerships are expected to modernize the Indonesian museum ecosystem and enhance the management of iconic historical landmarks.

Minister Fadli Zon emphasized that the current momentum must be utilized to ensure that cultural diplomacy yields tangible benefits for both nations' creative sectors. He advocated for a model of cooperation that moves beyond the ceremonial to address the actual needs of cultural practitioners.

"Indonesia-France cooperation in the cultural field must continue to develop in a concrete, reciprocal, and long-term impactful manner, both for cultural actors and for strengthening cultural diplomacy on the global stage,” Minister Fadli explained during the meeting, as quoted on the Ministry's official website.

The collaboration specifically targets the development of the Borobudur and Prambanan temple complexes and the strengthening of the Museum Academy. Furthermore, France will host a dedicated Indonesian exhibition at the Guimet Museum, while both countries will engage in joint research with the École française d'Extrême-Orient (EFEO) and protect heritage sites vulnerable to climate change through the ALIPH framework.

In the creative industries, the partnership will deepen ties in the film sector. This includes the sustainability of the Indonesia-France Film Lab and strengthened institutional links with La Fémis and the CNC.

These efforts aim to boost Indonesian representation at major international forums such as the Cannes Film Festival and the Annecy International Animation Film Festival, culminating in a co-production meeting scheduled for Paris in December 2026.

Literary diplomacy is also on the agenda, with both ministers agreeing to bolster programs such as Choix Goncourt Indonésie and Read Indonesia. This will be supported by the Centre national du livre through residency programs and literary festivals.

Additionally, the two countries are prioritizing digital transformation, focusing on cultural data governance and the co-creation of digital heritage assets. ***