Indonesia–Philippines Reinforces Maritime Cultural Cooperation

RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta – Indonesia’s Minister of Culture, Fadli Zon, held a bilateral meeting with the Ambassador of the Republic of the Philippines to Indonesia, H.E. Christopher B. Montero. The meeting, which took place at Building E of the Ministry of Culture in Senayan, Jakarta, on 27 January 2026, marked an initial milestone in diplomatic relations as well as the strengthening of strategic cooperation in the field of cultural preservation between Indonesia and the Philippines.

The Minister of Culture underscored the importance of the historical relationship between Indonesia and the Philippines as fellow founding members of ASEAN. According to the Minister, the two countries share cultural similarities, ranging from common names to linguistic roots.

Cultural wealth, he added, serves as a fundamental foundation in strengthening a shared identity and acts as a bridge of brotherhood in the Southeast Asian region. “Indonesia and the Philippines are family as well as founding members of ASEAN who are geographically very close. We also share many similarities, including diverse cultures, similar names, and languages,” the Minister stated.

Minister Fadli explained the characteristics of both countries, which are closely linked through a long historical connection. Long before the era of colonialism, the ancestors of Indonesia and the Philippines had already demonstrated strong maritime navigation skills.

This proves that interregional relations through sea routes are a historical legacy that continues to strengthen the bond of brotherhood between Indonesia and the Philippines to this day.

“Both countries have many cultural similarities. We know that Indonesia and the Philippines are maritime and archipelagic nations. Even before colonialism, our ancestors had already succeeded in sailing across countries, and that is history,” the Minister said.

The Minister also elaborated on the mobility of the ancestors of Indonesia and the Philippines through maritime routes. Historically, communities in Southeast Asia had long engaged in cross-border interactions without administrative requirements such as passports.

According to the Minister, this was likely due to the geographical proximity within the maritime regions of Indonesia and the Philippines. Echoing the Minister’s statement, the Ambassador of the Republic of the Philippines to Indonesia, H.E. Christopher B. Montero, revealed that Indonesia and the Philippines have established cooperation through memoranda of understanding in various fields, particularly culture.

“Currently, the two countries enjoy a very good and close cooperative relationship. We are very grateful to the Ministry of Culture for its support and collaboration,” he said.