Government strengthens bilateral ties with Saudi Arabia through culture

Jakarta (ANTARA) - Culture Minister Fadli Zon has emphasised the commitment to strengthening bilateral relations with Saudi Arabia, particularly in the field of culture. “We are delighted with the presence of His Excellency (the Ambassador of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to the Republic of Indonesia, Faisal Abdullah H. Amodi), and we hope that cooperation between the two countries in the cultural sector can continue to be strengthened and provide significant benefits to the cultural ecosystems of both nations,” stated Fadli Zon when receiving a visit from the Ambassador of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to the Republic of Indonesia, Faisal Abdullah H. Amodi, when confirmed in Jakarta on Thursday. Indonesia and Saudi Arabia have maintained a friendship for 76 years. In the meeting, the Culture Minister discussed several potentials for strategic cooperation in strengthening the cultures of both countries, supported by the diversity and broad scope of Indonesia’s Objects of Cultural Advancement. The Culture Minister of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Prince Badr bin Abdullah bin Farhan Al Saud, is also scheduled to make a working visit to Jakarta and will sign the renewal of the Cultural Memorandum of Understanding between the two countries, which is set to expire in 2027. The Culture Minister also conveyed Indonesia’s nomination for membership in the UNESCO Intergovernmental Committee for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage for the period 2026-2030. Fadli stated that Saudi Arabia’s support for Indonesia would strengthen joint commitments in the governance and preservation of cultural heritage at the global level. Indonesia is also promoting collaboration in submitting extensions for UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage elements, particularly the Arabic Calligraphy element, which has been inscribed multinationally, including by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. In addition, Indonesia is exploring extensions for other relevant elements related to living practices in both countries, such as Majlis and Date Palm. The two countries are also exploring opportunities for cooperation in the cultural industry sector, including filmmaking. Culture Minister Fadli Zon sees potential for joint productions as well as film festivals through the Red Sea Film Festival held in Jeddah and the JogjaNETPAC Asian Film Festival (JAFF) in Yogyakarta.