RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta – Jakarta hosted an international seminar titled “Global Civilization Initiative and the Spirit of Cheng Ho” on June 30. It brings together more than 60 academicians, experts, lecturers, students, and practitioners from Indonesia and China.

The forum discussed cultural exchange, international communication, and the friendship values associated with Admiral Cheng Ho. It was part of the cultural event series “Cheng Ho’s Voyages: The Ambassador of World Friendship.”

The seminar was organized by the Information Office of the Yunnan Provincial People’s Government and the Foreign Affairs Office of the Yunnan Provincial People’s Government. Participants discussed not only Cheng Ho’s historical voyages, but also their relevance to Indonesia–China relations today. Openness, equality, and mutual benefit were highlighted as important values for strengthening people-to-people ties.

The event also announced the establishment of the China Newsweek South Asia Edition – Bridge Era International Communication Experts Base. The platform brings together more than 20 experts and academics from China, Indonesia, Sri Lanka, Nepal, and other countries.

Professor Liu Liqiong of Kunming City University said the Global Civilization Initiative encourages stronger people-to-people relations and cross-cultural cooperation. She cited the “Heart-to-Heart Connectivity – Yunnan” program in Bali, which supports green agriculture.

Liu also highlighted educational cooperation between Yunnan Normal University and Wenjiao Trilingual School in Bali. She said such partnerships help expand knowledge exchange and bring communities in both countries closer.

BRIN researcher Dr. Thung Julan, said Cheng Ho’s voyages to Java, Sumatra, and other parts of the Indonesian archipelago left a legacy of friendship built on equality and mutual benefit. She stressed that people-to-people relations remain essential to sustainable bilateral ties.

Meanwhile, Professor Shan Xiaohong of Yunnan University, said Cheng Ho is seen as a symbol of peace and openness in China, while in Indonesia he represents cultural acculturation and friendship. These perspectives, she said, can become a shared historical asset for both countries.

Christine Susanna Tjhin of Gentala Institute Indonesia proposed a joint working group involving universities, research institutions, and media organizations from Indonesia and China. The group could help digitalize Cheng Ho archives in Semarang, Cirebon, and other locations into a multilingual database for international audiences.

The seminar reaffirmed Cheng Ho’s spirit as a bridge for dialogue between civilizations and a foundation for future Indonesia–China cooperation in education, culture, research, and international communication.