RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - Indonesia and Morocco reaffirmed their commitment to boosting cultural cooperation through the Morocco-Indonesia Art Night, held under the theme Bridging Moroccan-Indonesian Civilizations in Jakarta on Tuesday July 28. The event highlighted the role of culture as a bridge to deepen bilateral relations and foster dialogue between the two nations.

The cultural evening was jointly organized by Indonesia's Ministry of Culture and the Embassy of the Kingdom of Morocco. The event brought together musicians and artists from both countries, showcasing artistic traditions rooted in their shared historical and civilizational connections.

Minister of Culture, Fadli Zon, said Indonesia and Morocco have enjoyed longstanding ties that predate the establishment of formal diplomatic relations. He noted that the relationship has evolved through the exchange of knowledge, religious traditions, and enduring people-to-people connections over centuries.

"The relationship between Indonesia and Morocco has never been built solely through diplomacy between governments, but also through enduring people-to-people connections," Fadli said. He added that the exchange of knowledge, shared spiritual values, and cultural traditions has been passed down from generation to generation, creating a strong foundation for bilateral friendship.

Fadli also described the collaborative performances by Indonesian and Moroccan artists as a reflection of how culture can unite civilizations while preserving their distinct identities. "Every melody, every verse, and every performance embodies a dialogue between civilizations founded upon mutual respect, understanding, and cultural enrichment," he said.

The minister further emphasized that cultural diplomacy remains an important pillar of Indonesia's international engagement under President Prabowo Subianto's administration. According to him, culture helps strengthen mutual trust and creates new opportunities for cooperation in education, research, tourism, cultural industries, and the creative economy.

Meanwhile, Ambassador of the Kingdom of Morocco to Indonesia, H.E. Redouane Houssaini, described the event as more than a musical performance, calling it a celebration of the enduring friendship between the two countries. "Music is often described as the universal language of humanity. It speaks directly to the heart, transcending borders, languages, and differences," he said.

Both Indonesia and Morocco expressed hope that the initiative would pave the way for broader cooperation through artist exchanges, heritage preservation, academic collaboration, and creative industries. The two countries also reaffirmed their shared commitment to using culture as a platform for promoting mutual understanding, peace, and stronger people-to-people ties in the years ahead.