RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - The Indonesian Minister of Culture, Fadli Zon, and the German Ambassador to Indonesia, Ralf Beste, spoke about ways to increase cultural collaboration, such as renewing the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) and speeding up the return of historical artifacts.

"We hope to increase collaboration with the Federal Republic of Germany. Since 1988, Indonesia and Germany have had a framework agreement for cultural cooperation. So maybe it's time to revive this collaboration," said Minister of Culture Fadli Zon in a news release issued in Jakarta on Wednesday, February 25, 2026.

As reported by Antara, the longstanding bond between Indonesia and Germany is based on a number of things, including the 1988 Agreement on Cultural Cooperation. In order to account for shifting priorities between the two nations and global dynamics, he thinks the framework has to be revised.

During the bilateral meeting in Jakarta, Minister Fadli Zon spoke about bolstering the platform for Indonesian cultural centers, such as the creation of the Indonesian Cultural House, in addition to renewing the MoU.

"With the Indonesian Cultural House in Germany, we want to foster interpersonal connections. At the Indonesian Embassy in Berlin, we now have an Indonesian Cultural House," he said.

The Ministry of Culture is dedicated to promoting Indonesian culture abroad through cultural diplomacy with friendly nations via this gathering. The Indonesian Cultural House in Berlin is anticipated to increase public understanding of Indonesian culture in Germany.

The repatriation of many fossils currently kept in Germany, including 13 Sangiran Early Man fossils housed in the Senckenberg Museum, as well as the co-production of a movie about Georg Eberhard Rumphius, a German naturalist who resided in Ambon, were among the topics discussed by Minister of Culture Fadli Zon.

The earlier suggested enhancements to cultural collaboration were welcomed by Ralf Beste, the Federal Republic of Germany's ambassador to Indonesia.

"We need to establish a framework for cultural fields like history, movies, literature, and discussions about repatriation (the return of cultural heritage objects) via a different and adaptable approach. In the museum industry, collaboration is just as vital," said Ambassador Ralf Beste.

Minister Fadli Zon concluded the meeting by stating that he is prepared to welcome the President of the Federal Republic of Germany, Frank-Walter Steinmeier, who will be on a state visit to Indonesia on March 9, 2026. In addition to plans to meet with the Frankfurt Book Fair Director, who will also be present in the group. ***