Indonesia and Morocco Explore Cultural Cooperation Through Traditional Music

RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - Indonesian Minister of Culture, Fadli Zon, held a strategic dialogue with the Ambassador of the Kingdom of Morocco to Indonesia, Redouane Houssaini, in Jakarta on Tuesday June 2, 2026. The meeting focused on developing traditional music ecosystems and exploring opportunities for cultural cooperation between Indonesia and Morocco.

During the meeting, Fadli Zon welcomed Redouane Houssaini's appointment as Morocco's new Ambassador to Indonesia. He noted that the two countries enjoy strong diplomatic relations supported by historical and geographical similarities.

According to him, these shared characteristics can serve as a foundation for strengthening bilateral ties. He also emphasized the importance of expanding cultural cooperation as part of efforts to deepen relations between the two nations.

One of the areas highlighted during the discussion was collaboration in traditional music. Fadli said that Morocco's Andalusian music shares similarities with Indonesia's gambus and qasidah musical traditions.

"Morocco's traditional Andalusi music may resonate well with gambus and kasidah music in Indonesia. In the future, Indonesia and Morocco can forge cultural collaborations through these two musical genres," he said.

He added that such cooperation could take the form of joint performances and collaborations between musicians from both countries. Besides showcasing their cultural heritage, these initiatives could also strengthen people-to-people connections.

Fadli also encouraged the acceleration of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) covering culture, the creative economy, and the utilization of traditional knowledge and local wisdom. He expressed hope that the agreement could soon be implemented through strategic programs such as artist residencies, traditional music performances, and cultural conferences.

Meanwhile, Moroccan Ambassador to Indonesia Redouane Houssaini identified three key areas for future collaboration: culture-based economic development, cultural promotion, and institutional cooperation, including partnerships between museums. He expressed hope that the friendship and mutual respect shared by both countries would further advance cultural development in Indonesia and Morocco.