RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - Indonesia is seeking to deepen its cultural diplomacy with Nigeria by expanding cooperation in the film industry, as both countries look to leverage their rich cultural diversity to strengthen bilateral relations. The initiative reflects Indonesia's broader strategy of using cultural exchanges as a form of soft power amid an increasingly dynamic global landscape.

The commitment was discussed during a meeting between Indonesian Minister of Culture, Fadli Zon and Indonesia's Ambassador to the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Bambang Suharto, at the Ministry of Culture in Jakarta on Tuesday July 22, 2026. The strategic dialogue focused on opportunities for cultural collaboration and ways to enhance diplomatic ties between the two countries through shared cultural assets.

Fadli said Indonesia and Nigeria share many similarities, ranging from their multicultural societies to their linguistic diversity, making culture an effective bridge for bilateral engagement. "Nigeria and Indonesia have many similarities, from their socio-economic conditions to their cultural diversity. Nigeria is home to many ethnic groups and hundreds of languages, much like Indonesia. That is why cultural diplomacy offers the best approach to strengthening our relationship," he said.

The minister highlighted the potential for expanding cooperation in the film sector by drawing on the rapid growth of Nigeria's Nollywood film industry. He said closer collaboration between filmmakers from both countries could encourage knowledge exchange in film production while opening new opportunities for joint creative projects.

"We can promote joint film productions between filmmakers from both countries. We can also participate more actively in African film festivals so that the film ecosystems of Indonesia and Nigeria continue to grow together," Fadli said.

Beyond the film industry, Fadli emphasized that cultural diplomacy with Nigeria would also complement several of the Ministry of Culture's ongoing strategic programs. These include the commemoration of the 400th anniversary of Sheikh Yusuf Al-Makassari in Cape Town, South Africa, as well as a proposal to pursue an extension of Indonesia's batik cultural heritage recognition in collaboration with Nigeria.

Ambassador Bambang Suharto welcomed the proposed initiatives, saying they would create broader opportunities for cooperation and reinforce the longstanding friendship between the two countries. According to him, Indonesia and Nigeria possess similar cultural characteristics, making them strategic partners in strengthening soft power through cultural diplomacy.

Concluding the meeting, Fadli reaffirmed the Ministry of Culture's commitment to following up on the proposed initiatives through concrete collaborative programs. He expressed hope that joint cultural festivals, film partnerships, and expanded cultural heritage cooperation would further strengthen Indonesia-Nigeria relations while creating new opportunities for cultural exchange between the two nations.