Culture Minister and German Ambassador Discuss Strengthening Cultural Cooperation
Jakarta (ANTARA) – The Minister of Culture of the Republic of Indonesia, Fadli Zon, and the Ambassador of the Federal Republic of Germany to Indonesia, Ralf Beste, discussed strengthening cultural cooperation, ranging from the renewal of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to accelerating the repatriation of historical objects.
“We want to strengthen cooperation with the Federal Republic of Germany. Indonesia and Germany have had a framework for cultural cooperation since 1988. So, perhaps now is the time to renew that cooperation,” said Minister Fadli Zon in a press statement received in Jakarta on Wednesday.
Minister Fadli Zon affirmed that the relationship between Indonesia and Germany, which has been established for decades, has a strong foundation, including through the Agreement on Cultural Cooperation since 1988. He believes that it is necessary to update the framework for cooperation, adapting it to global dynamics and the evolving priorities of both countries.
In addition to the MoU renewal, Minister Fadli Zon also discussed strengthening the platform for Indonesian cultural centres, including by developing the Indonesian Cultural House, during a bilateral meeting in Jakarta.
Through this meeting, the Ministry of Culture is committed to continuing to promote Indonesian culture on the international stage through cultural diplomacy with friendly countries.
The presence of the Indonesian Cultural House in Berlin is expected to serve as a bridge for Indonesian culture to become better known in Germany.
Minister Fadli also discussed plans for discussions and dialogues regarding the repatriation of several fossils located in Germany, including 13 fossils of the Sangiran Early Humans, which are in the Senckenberg Museum, as well as a co-production film about Georg Eberhard Rumphius, a German naturalist who lived in Ambon.
The Ambassador of the Federal Republic of Germany to Indonesia, Ralf Beste, welcomed the proposed improvements to cultural cooperation.
“Areas such as history, film, books, and discussions on repatriation (the return of cultural heritage objects) need to be developed with a different and adaptable approach. Cooperation in the field of museums is also equally important,” said Ralf Beste.
In closing the meeting, Minister Fadli Zon also expressed his readiness to welcome the arrival of the President of the Federal Republic of Germany, Frank-Walter Steinmeier, who will make a state visit to Indonesia on 9 March 2026, as well as plans for a meeting with the Director of the Frankfurt Book Fair, who will also be part of the delegation.