Indonesia and France are enhancing their cultural collaboration through a series of initiatives aimed at heritage conservation, film production, and the arts. This partnership is designed to elevate the visibility of Indonesian culture in France while facilitating cultural exchanges between the two nations.
During a meeting in Paris on October 7, Indonesian Culture Minister Fadli Zon and French Culture Minister Catherine Pégard discussed plans to develop joint cultural programs. These initiatives include Indonesian music performances, fashion exhibitions showcasing traditional textiles alongside modern designs, and exhibitions of Indonesian fine art. The cooperation builds on the 2025 Borobudur Declaration, which seeks to strengthen cultural ties and foster public engagement with both countries’ cultural heritage.
In terms of heritage conservation, Indonesia plans to collaborate with the International Alliance for the Protection of Heritage in Conflict Areas (ALIPH) Foundation to revitalize ten priority heritage projects across eight provinces. These efforts follow the successful conservation of the Wapauwe Mosque in Maluku in 2025. The selected sites include Tjong A Fie Mansion in North Sumatra, the Betang Longhouse in West Kalimantan, Jakarta’s Kota Tua historic district and Maritime Museum, Borobudur Temple in Central Java, Sendangduwur Village in East Java, and Leang Karampuang Cave in South Sulawesi. Other projects include the Mabur vernacular house in East Nusa Tenggara, Santo Petrus and Paulus Church, Kaitetu Traditional Village, and Rumphius Museum in Maluku.
Minister Zon emphasized the need to protect Borobudur Temple’s historic reliefs from environmental pressures and climate change. Ongoing discussions between Indonesia and France involve improving conservation methods and museum management, with potential cooperation with France’s Centre des monuments nationaux.
The film industry is another focal point of this partnership. Indonesia is preparing to launch the Indonesia International Film Co-production Fund in 2027, with technical support from France’s National Centre for Cinema and the Moving Image. Additionally, both countries are organizing the third Indonesia-France Film Lab at the JAFF Market to support collaboration between filmmakers and strengthen international film projects. Discussions are also underway to increase Indonesia’s presence at the Cannes Film Festival in 2028.
This expanded partnership aims to open new opportunities for cultural exchanges, protect Indonesia’s historic sites, and foster cooperation between Indonesian and French artists, filmmakers, and cultural institutions.