RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta – Indonesia's Minister of Culture, Fadli Zon, has called for stronger cultural diplomacy between Indonesia and Canada through film promotion, cultural festivals, and collaboration with the Indonesian diaspora as part of efforts to deepen bilateral relations. Fadli made the remarks during a meeting with Indonesia's Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to Canada, Muhsin Syihab, at the Ministry of Culture office in Senayan, Jakarta, on Tuesday, June 30, 2026.

During the meeting, Fadli said Indonesia and Canada share a strong foundation for cooperation through common perspectives on culture. He noted that Indonesia's rich cultural diversity could serve as a valuable asset in strengthening bilateral ties while enhancing the country's image in Canada.

"Our rich cultural diversity is a valuable asset for bilateral cooperation. Through this cultural wealth, we can further strengthen the friendship between Indonesia and Canada, as cultural diplomacy is a highly effective way to build soft power," Fadli said.

He described the film industry as one of the most effective tools of cultural diplomacy to introduce Indonesia to international audiences. According to Fadli, major film festivals in Canada offer valuable opportunities to showcase Indonesian films on the global stage.

"One of the best forms of cultural diplomacy is through film. Canada hosts major events such as the Toronto International Film Festival and the Montreal International Film Festival, which can serve as important platforms for Indonesian films," he said.

Beyond the film industry, Fadli also proposed establishing cultural awards for members of the Indonesian diaspora and foreign nationals who have made significant contributions to promoting Indonesian culture. He said the awards could recognize achievements in various fields, including cultural preservation, historical research, traditional arts, and contemporary culture. To support the initiative, Fadli encouraged the Indonesian Embassy in Ottawa to actively nominate deserving individuals and cultural communities.

Meanwhile, Indonesian Ambassador to Canada Muhsin Syihab said the two countries have significant potential to expand bilateral cooperation through cultural initiatives.

"We can collaborate to promote Indonesia through cultural perspectives, whether through festivals or official programs organized by the Indonesian Embassy in Ottawa," Muhsin said. He expressed hope that stronger cultural collaboration would further enhance relations between Indonesia and Canada while introducing Indonesia's rich cultural heritage to the Canadian public.