Indonesia and France are deepening their cultural cooperation through a series of initiatives aimed at enhancing heritage conservation, film production, and the arts. During a meeting on October 7 in Paris, Indonesian Culture Minister Fadli Zon and French Culture Minister Catherine Pégard outlined plans for joint cultural programs that seek to elevate Indonesian culture’s visibility in France and promote cultural exchanges between the two nations.
The collaboration stems from the 2025 Borobudur Declaration, which seeks to fortify cultural ties and bolster public engagement with cultural heritage. Proposed activities include Indonesian music performances, fashion exhibitions highlighting traditional textiles, and contemporary art showcases. These events are designed to celebrate and promote the rich cultural tapestry of Indonesia in France.
A significant focus of the partnership is on heritage conservation, where Indonesia plans to collaborate with the International Alliance for the Protection of Heritage in Conflict Areas (ALIPH) Foundation. This cooperation is aimed at revitalizing 10 priority heritage projects across eight Indonesian provinces, following the successful conservation of the Wapauwe Mosque in Maluku in 2025. The targeted sites for revitalization include Tjong A Fie Mansion in North Sumatra and Borobudur Temple in Central Java, among others.
In the film industry, Indonesia and France are working to establish the Indonesia International Film Co-production Fund with technical support from France’s National Centre for Cinema and the Moving Image. Set to launch in 2027, this fund aims to foster collaboration between filmmakers and enhance international film projects. Additionally, the two countries are preparing for the third Indonesia-France Film Lab at the JAFF Market, a platform for filmmakers to exchange ideas and collaborate. Discussions are also underway to increase Indonesia’s presence at the Cannes Film Festival in 2028.
This enhanced partnership is expected to create new avenues for cultural exchange, safeguard Indonesia’s historic sites, and strengthen the ties between Indonesian and French artists, filmmakers, and cultural institutions. Both nations remain committed to dialogue on improving conservation methods and museum management through cooperation with France’s Centre des monuments nationaux, ensuring that cultural heritage is preserved for future generations.