Indonesia and France are deepening their cultural collaboration through various initiatives that span heritage conservation, film production, and the arts. This partnership, highlighted in a recent meeting between Indonesian Culture Minister Fadli Zon and French Culture Minister Catherine Pégard in Paris on October 7, aims to enhance the visibility of Indonesian culture in France and foster cultural exchange between the two nations.
A key element of this cooperation is heritage conservation, with Indonesia planning to work alongside the International Alliance for the Protection of Heritage in Conflict Areas (ALIPH) Foundation to revitalize 10 priority heritage sites across eight provinces. These efforts will build upon the successful conservation of the Wapauwe Mosque in Maluku in 2025. Notable sites targeted for conservation include the Tjong A Fie Mansion in North Sumatra and the historic district of Kota Tua in Jakarta. Additionally, there are plans to protect the historic reliefs of Borobudur Temple from environmental pressures and climate change, supported by France’s Centre des monuments nationaux.
Film industry collaboration is another major focus of the partnership. Indonesia is set to launch the Indonesia International Film Co-production Fund by 2027, with technical support from France’s National Centre for Cinema and the Moving Image. The two countries are also preparing for the third Indonesia-France Film Lab at the JAFF Market, aimed at fostering collaboration between filmmakers and strengthening international film projects. Discussions are ongoing to increase Indonesia’s presence at the Cannes Film Festival in 2028.
The cultural cooperation extends to contemporary art, literature, music, and museums, with proposed initiatives such as Indonesian music performances and fashion exhibitions that highlight both traditional textiles and modern designs. These efforts are part of a broader strategy to create new opportunities for cultural exchange and strengthen ties between Indonesian and French artists, filmmakers, and cultural institutions.
This expanded partnership aligns with the 2025 Borobudur Declaration’s goals to promote cultural ties and enhance public engagement with the cultural heritage of both countries. Through these collaborative efforts, Indonesia and France aim to protect significant heritage sites, bolster the film industry, and facilitate greater cultural interaction and understanding between their societies.