RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - Indonesia and Kuwait are seeking to deepen cultural cooperation through a new bilateral agreement, expanded collaboration under UNESCO conventions, and broader cultural exchange programs. The initiative was discussed during a meeting between Indonesia's Minister of Culture Fadli Zon and Kuwait's Ambassador to Indonesia, Khalid Jassim Al-Yassin, in Jakarta.

The strategic meeting took place at the Ministry of Culture in Senayan, Jakarta, on Wednesday August 5, 2026. Both sides explored ways to strengthen cultural diplomacy and build on the Cultural Cooperation Agreement signed by the two countries in 2007.

Fadli proposed drafting a new Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to serve as a broader framework for future cultural cooperation between Indonesia and Kuwait. He said the agreement would reinforce bilateral cultural relations following the establishment of Indonesia's standalone Ministry of Culture.

"We highly value the long-standing relationship between Indonesia and Kuwait. I believe this partnership should continue to grow, particularly in the cultural sector. A new bilateral Memorandum of Understanding would provide a stronger framework for cultural cooperation between our two countries," Fadli said.

The minister also invited Kuwait to expand collaboration under UNESCO's cultural conventions by supporting four multinational nominations proposed by Indonesia. They include Arabic calligraphy and Islamic calligraphic traditions, date palm culture, traditions of community deliberation, and weaving traditions.

Ambassador Al-Yassin welcomed Indonesia's proposal and expressed Kuwait's readiness to strengthen cooperation in safeguarding intangible cultural heritage under the 2003 UNESCO Convention. He also proposed expanding museum cooperation through joint exhibitions and exchanges of cultural collections.

"In Kuwait, the Islamic Heritage House preserves an important private collection owned by the Al Sabah royal family, with exhibitions that have been displayed at museums such as the Louvre in Paris and the Kremlin Museums in Moscow. We would also welcome exhibitions showcasing Indonesia's cultural collections in Kuwait," Al-Yassin said.

The meeting also explored plans to organize Kuwait Cultural Week in Indonesia in early 2027, alongside a future Indonesian Cultural Week in Kuwait featuring music, dance, visual arts, and traditional textiles. Both sides agreed to continue discussions on the new MoU, museum partnerships, UNESCO collaboration, and cultural exchange programs as part of efforts to strengthen bilateral ties and cultural diplomacy.