Indonesia Expands Cultural Diplomacy Through Overseas Cultural Centers

RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - The Indonesian government has reaffirmed cultural heritage diplomacy as a national policy priority for 2026. The commitment was delivered by the Ministry of Culture during the Indonesian Cultural Outlook 2026 forum in Jakarta, Monday, 19 January 2026.

Minister of Culture, Fadli Zon, stated that strengthening cultural diplomacy will be a central pillar of Indonesia’s national cultural policy next year. He underscored that cultural diplomacy plays a strategic role in enhancing global recognition of Indonesia’s rich cultural heritage.

According to him, Indonesia continues to advance cultural heritage diplomacy through various global agendas. These efforts are also aimed at strengthening Indonesia’s cultural presence abroad as part of its international engagement strategy.

“We are also advancing cultural heritage diplomacy, covering six World Heritage agendas and three Intangible Cultural Heritage agendas, and have begun activating Indonesian cultural centers in 12 countries,” Fadli Zon said.

The countries hosting Indonesian cultural centers include South Africa, Australia, the Netherlands, Fiji, India, Japan, Kazakhstan, and Malaysia. Additional centers are being activated in Poland, Timor-Leste, Türkiye, and Saudi Arabia.

The minister also noted that the strengthening of cultural diplomacy is supported by expanded international cooperation. Such cooperation is built through formal agreements and cross-border collaborative programs.

“We have established strong cooperation channels through 19 memoranda of understanding and 53 cooperation agreement documents,” he said. The ministry also runs cultural residency programs, supports international festivals, and promotes cultural events abroad.