Indonesia Reinforces Cultural Diplomacy Through Papua Museum Founder in German

RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - Indonesia is strengthening its global cultural diplomacy through collaboration with a German cultural advocate who has spent decades promoting the country’s heritage in Europe. Minister of Culture, Fadli Zon, received Werner Weiglein, founder of a Papua museum in Germany, at the Ministry’s office in Jakarta, Tuesday, 24 February 2026.

Weiglein is the founder and curator of the Papua Museum in Gelnhausen, Germany, which houses an extensive ethnographic collection from Indonesia’s easternmost region. The museum has become an important gateway for European audiences to learn about Indonesia’s indigenous cultures and artistic traditions.

During the meeting, Minister Fadli, expressed appreciation for Weiglein’s long-standing dedication to documenting and promoting Indonesian heritage abroad. “He catalogued these collections and turned them into a comprehensive narrative,” Fadli said.

Weiglein has been collecting cultural artifacts since the 1970s and conducted expeditions across Indonesia in the 1980s, including to Sulawesi and Papua. His travels and research were later compiled into written works that chronicle Indonesia’s cultural diversity for international readers.

The Minister also highlighted Weiglein’s co-authored book, Expeditionen durch Indonesien, which presents Indonesia’s social and cultural richness to European audiences. “We can do more than this, and all the photographs in this book are my own,” Weiglein said, underscoring his personal commitment to authentic documentation.

Beyond his cultural work, Weiglein is also known for his remarkable mountaineering record, having climbed Puncak Jaya also known as Carstensz Pyramid 36 times. The achievement reflects not only scholarly interest but also a deep personal connection to Indonesia’s natural landscape.

The meeting was attended by senior officials from the Ministry of Culture, including representatives responsible for cultural diplomacy, promotion, and international cooperation. The discussion focused on expanding partnerships that position culture as a strategic instrument of engagement between Indonesia and Europe.

Through this initiative, the Ministry reaffirmed its commitment to advancing Indonesia’s cultural presence globally as part of its soft power strategy. “We value foreign citizens who show genuine interest in and actively promote Indonesia and its culture to the world, including in Germany and across Europe,” Fadli stated.