Indonesia Promotes Cultural Diplomacy Through European Music Tour

RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - Indonesia’s Ministry of Culture supports Strings of Equator: A Musical Journey to Indonesia as part of efforts to strengthen cultural diplomacy and expand the international reach of Indonesian music. Culture Minister Fadli Zon, made the remarks during a media briefing for Strings of Equator: A Musical Journey to Indonesia at the Music Lounge, Plaza Senayan, Jakarta, on 19 August 2026.

He also said the program provides an opportunity to introduce Indonesia’s rich and diverse cultural heritage to international audiences through music. The Minister conveyed that the initiative is aligned with the ministry’s mission to advance national culture, particularly by promoting Indonesia’s cultural diversity overseas.

“Our megacultural diversity, stretching from Sabang to Merauke, and from Miangas to Rote Island, is an extraordinary expression of our culture. Of the 10 Pillars of Cultural Advancement, music is one of them and deserves our appreciation, so we will continue to support activities like this as much as we can,” he said.

Strings of Equator: A Musical Journey to Indonesia will feature Indonesian singer and diplomat Tantowi Yahya and the Thomshell Band in performances across three European cities. The tour will head to Oslo, Norway, on 24 August; Santa Susanna, Spain, on 28 and 31 August and 1 September; and The Hague, the Netherlands, on 4 September 2026.

The performances will feature Indonesian regional songs accompanied by narratives about the country’s cultural heritage. The program is expected to introduce Indonesian music to European audiences while creating opportunities for Indonesian musicians to build international networks and collaborations.

Tantowi Yahya said the tour is primarily aimed at European audiences and will use music to introduce the diversity of Indonesia’s musical traditions. “The richness of Indonesian regional music can be seen through three regions based on time zones, namely western, central and eastern Indonesia, each with distinct musical characteristics shaped by different cultural influences,” he said.

Fadli Zon said international music performances can serve not only as instruments of cultural diplomacy but also as a means of strengthening Indonesia’s music ecosystem. Exposure to global stages can improve musicians’ competitiveness, expand access to international markets and networks, and create wider economic and collaboration opportunities for music industry players.

The Culture Ministry expects Strings of Equator: A Musical Journey to Indonesia to strengthen the global presence of Indonesian arts and culture while contributing to the development of inclusive and sustainable cultural and creative industries. “I hope this activity will not only entertain but also carry the message of Indonesian culture, our cultural richness, and make Indonesia visible in the global stage,” Fadli said.