Moment When Fadli Zon Introduces Indonesian Art History to Saudi Culture Minister
Indonesian Culture Minister Fadli Zon received a visit from the Culture Minister of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, His Highness Bader bin Abdullah bin Farhan Al Saud, during an itinerary to the National Museum of Indonesia and the National Gallery of Indonesia. This visit forms part of a series of bilateral meetings aimed at strengthening cooperation in the cultural sector.
It is known that both, along with their delegations, inspected several exhibition rooms displaying outstanding collections of cultural heritage as representations of the rich history and civilisation of the Nusantara. One of them is the Early History Exhibition, which narrates the journey of the Nusantara from geological evolution to prehistoric human life. In addition, the group also viewed the Misykat Exhibition, which highlights the early traces of Islam in Indonesia since the 7th century.
Culture Minister Fadli Zon explained that the exhibition was designed to comprehensively depict the grand journey of the Nusantara civilisation based on scientific studies. He described the long journey of the Nusantara, starting from the formation of the archipelago due to ancient geological dynamics, the development of early life, to the emergence of humans and prehistoric culture.
“Indonesia is one of the key regions in human evolution studies, reflected in important findings such as Homo erectus in Java, and serves as a space for various migrations and cultural developments since prehistoric times,” he stated in a written remark on Wednesday (14/4/2026).
Furthermore, at the Misykat Exhibition: Light of Islamic Civilisation, Fadli Zon conveyed that the exhibition presents more than 300 artefacts, ranging from Al-Qur’an manuscripts, tombstones, artworks, to archaeological findings from various regions.
According to him, Islam in the Nusantara not only arrived in the early period but developed through dynamic interactions with local cultures. This shaped the character of Indonesian Islamic civilisation as inclusive and deeply rooted in societal traditions.
After leaving the National Museum, the group continued their visit to the National Gallery of Indonesia. This visit became an opportunity to introduce the history of Indonesian art to the Saudi delegation.
At the location, Fadli Zon and the delegation reviewed several exhibitions, including Indonesian Women Artists #4 on the Map: Art, Science, Technology, and Culture. This exhibition features works by 12 Indonesian female artists addressing themes of art, science, and technology.
This review also aims to demonstrate how Indonesia provides equal opportunities for women to create and explore artistic materials.
The lineup of artists across generations displaying their works includes Bibiana Lee, Citra Sasmita & Cinta Bumi Artisan, Dyantini Adeline, Endang Lestari, Ines Katamso, Irene Agrivina, KaNA Fuddy Prakoso, Ni Nyoman Sani, Nona Yoanishara, Rani Jambak, Tara Kasenda, and Ve Dhanito. There are also works by Hildawati Soemantri, Lucia Hartini, Marida Nasution, Sri Astari Rasjid, and Umi Dachlan.
In addition, the group viewed the gallery’s permanent collection, including 11 rooms exhibiting works by maestros such as Raden Saleh and Affandi. These works represent the richness of Indonesian fine arts as well as its historical journey to international recognition.
Previously, both ministers also held a meeting at the Ministry of Culture’s office in Jakarta. In that meeting, several priority agendas were discussed, such as renewing the Memorandum of Understanding and High-Level Cultural Partnership, cooperation on Intangible Cultural Heritage at UNESCO, and support for Indonesia’s candidacy in the Intergovernmental Committee for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage (IGC-ICH).
In addition, cooperation also covers strengthening the museum sector, protection and rehabilitation of cultural heritage, and developing the creative economy through film, literature, and artist exchanges.
The Saudi Arabian delegation present on this occasion included Assistant Minister of Culture, H.E. Rakan Ibrahim Altuoq, and General Manager of International Cultural Relations, Abdullah Mohammed Alraddadi.
Meanwhile, accompanying Indonesian Culture Minister Fadli Zon were Deputy Culture Minister Giring Ganesha Djumaryo, Director General of Cultural Diplomacy, Promotion, and Cooperation Endah T.D. Retnoastuti, Minister’s Special Staff for Culture Economy and Industry Anindita Kusuma Listya, Director of Cultural Promotion Wawan Yogaswara, Director of Cultural Cooperation Mardisontori, and Head of Museum and Cultural Heritage Esti Nurjadin.
For information, this visit reaffirms the commitment of Indonesia and Saudi Arabia to tighten bilateral relations in the cultural sector. Through the exchange of knowledge and collaboration in the arts and creative economy sectors, both countries are expected to build sustainable cooperation while introducing Indonesian culture to the international world.