Indonesia explores cultural cooperation with Suriname

Jakarta (ANTARA) - Indonesia, through the Ministry of Culture, is exploring cultural cooperation with Suriname, aiming to advance national culture.

“The presence of the Javanese community in Suriname serves as cultural capital that can be developed to strengthen the promotion of Indonesian culture, while simultaneously maintaining the continuity of the historical relationship between the two nations,” stated Minister of Culture Fadli Zon in a statement confirmed from Jakarta on Tuesday.

The Ministry of Culture is also exploring various cooperation opportunities in the form of joint nominations or extension nominations for the list of intangible cultural heritage. This is part of an effort to strengthen the preservation and promotion of culture that shares links between Indonesia and Suriname.

Fadli Zon’s statement was made while receiving a visit from the State Advisor to the President of the Republic of Suriname, Paul Somohardjo.

Fadli noted that Indonesia and Suriname share a long-standing relationship strengthened by cultural bonds, particularly Javanese culture.

“We have a long-established relationship and possess strong cultural ties, especially Javanese culture. Javanese culture has developed in various places and has become part of our historical journey. Therefore, we wish to bridge the cultural relationship between Indonesia and Suriname and make culture a part of Indonesia’s contribution to world civilisation,” he said.

Paul Somohardjo noted that the Javanese descendants in Suriname still maintain various cultural elements passed down from previous generations. Javanese language and script, customs, rituals, and various Kejawen traditions are still known and studied as part of the identity of the Javanese community in Suriname.

Paul assessed that cultural preservation must be carried out sustainably so that the younger generation continues to recognise their cultural roots. This can be achieved, among other ways, through the strengthening of diplomatic relations between Indonesia and Suriname to promote and preserve the culture of both countries, particularly Javanese culture.

“Culture must be studied and preserved because if not, culture could become extinct and lost. We must safeguard Javanese culture because it is our root and origin. We must not let Javanese people forget their identity, and we must be proud of the culture we possess,” expressed Paul.