Indonesia, Suriname Foster Cultural Ties Through Javanese Heritage

RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - Indonesia and Suriname are seeking to strengthen cultural ties through the Javanese heritage that continues to be preserved by communities of Javanese descent in Suriname. The effort was discussed during a meeting between Indonesian Minister of Culture Fadli Zon and Suriname’s State Advisor to the President, Paul Somohardjo, in Jakarta on Monday August 31, 2026.

Fadli said the two countries have maintained longstanding relations strengthened by shared cultural ties, particularly Javanese culture. He noted that Javanese culture has developed in various parts of the world, including Suriname, the Netherlands, and Cape Town in South Africa, forming an important part of Indonesia’s global cultural network.

“We have longstanding relations and strong cultural ties, particularly through Javanese culture. Javanese culture has developed in various places and has become part of our historical journey,” he said.

He said Indonesia wants to build stronger cultural bridges with Suriname and make culture part of Indonesia’s contribution to global civilization. According to Fadli, the initiative is also in line with Article 32, Paragraph 1 of Indonesia’s 1945 Constitution, which mandates the advancement of national culture amid global civilization.

The Ministry of Culture has also explored opportunities for cooperation through joint nominations or extensions to the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage list. Such cooperation is expected to strengthen the preservation and promotion of cultural traditions shared by communities in Indonesia and Suriname.

Somohardjo said people of Javanese descent in Suriname continue to preserve various cultural elements passed down through generations. These include the Javanese language and script, customs, rituals, and various Javanese spiritual traditions, which remain part of the community’s cultural identity.

“Culture must be studied and preserved because otherwise it can become extinct and disappear. We must preserve Javanese culture because it is our roots and our origins,” he said.

The meeting is part of Indonesia’s broader efforts to expand cultural diplomacy through historical ties and overseas communities of Indonesian descent. Indonesia and Suriname are expected to continue strengthening cooperation among governments, cultural institutions, and communities to preserve Javanese heritage while introducing Indonesia’s cultural diversity to a wider global audience.