RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - Indonesia and New Zealand are exploring closer cultural cooperation following a meeting between Indonesia’s Minister of Culture, Fadli Zon and New Zealand’s ambassador to Indonesia, Phillip Taula in Jakarta, Friday, 6 March 2026. The discussion focused on the possibility of drafting a memorandum of understanding to strengthen cultural collaboration between the two countries.

Fadli Zon received a courtesy visit from Phillip Taula at the Indonesian Ministry of Culture office in Jakarta. The meeting aimed to deepen bilateral ties while mapping out potential partnerships in the cultural sector.

Fadli Zon welcomed the visit and expressed appreciation for New Zealand’s commitment to strengthening relations with Indonesia. “We appreciate this visit and believe there are many opportunities to further explore cultural cooperation between our two countries,” he said.

According to the minister, collaboration could cover several strategic sectors, including the film industry, performing arts, cultural research, book festivals, and museum development. He also highlighted the possibility of artist residency programs to encourage cultural exchange and creative collaboration.

He noted that Indonesia has been strengthening its cultural diplomacy through international initiatives and forums. These include events such as Indonesia-Pacific Cultural Synergy and CHANDI that were held in 2025.

He added that Indonesia is also open to exploring joint nominations of shared cultural heritage elements with New Zealand. Such collaboration could support efforts to preserve cultural values while enhancing international recognition of heritage traditions.

Ambassador Phillip Taula welcomed Indonesia’s proposal for cultural cooperation and reaffirmed New Zealand’s commitment to building stronger ties with Indonesia. “We are open to hearing ideas from the Indonesian government, particularly the Ministry of Culture, on cultural cooperation that can be pursued,” he said.

Taula noted that both countries share similarities in cultural practices and traditions, including cuisine, arts, and community expressions. He said these shared cultural elements could become a strong foundation for deepening people-to-people connections and strengthening bilateral relations.