Indonesia, Germany seek stronger cultural ties in Jakarta talks

“We aim to strengthen cooperation with the Federal Republic of Germany. Indonesia and Germany have collaborated culturally since 1988, and I believe it is time for both nations to update this partnership,” Zon said.

According to a press release issued Wednesday, Zon referred to the 1988 Agreement on Cultural Cooperation, which he said requires adjustments to reflect global dynamics and shifting priorities for both countries.

Beyond renewing the partnership, the bilateral talks also addressed Indonesia’s ongoing efforts to promote its culture abroad, with a special focus on the Rumah Budaya Indonesia (Indonesian Cultural House) in Berlin.

“The Rumah Budaya Indonesia in Germany reflects our intention to strengthen people-to-people connections. The facility is located within the Indonesian Embassy in Berlin,” the minister noted.

He added that the Ministry of Culture is committed to promoting Indonesian culture globally through diplomatic engagement, highlighting the Berlin cultural house as a platform to attract German audiences.

Zon also outlined plans to hold discussions on the repatriation of fossils stored in Germany, including 13 prehistoric humanoid fossils unearthed in Sangiran, Central Java, currently displayed at the Senckenberg Museum.

Additionally, he discussed co-producing a film about Georg Eberhard Rumphius, a German botanist who lived in Ambon, Maluku.

Zon further expressed the government’s readiness to welcome German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier during his state visit to Indonesia on March 9, 2026.

Ambassador Beste welcomed Indonesia’s interest in strengthening cultural cooperation, emphasizing the importance of deepening ties through historical narratives, films, books, object repatriation, and museums.

Translator: Sri Dewi, Tegar Nurfitra