Indonesia, Fiji seek to expand cultural, creative economy ties

Jakarta (ANTARA) - Indonesia and Fiji have agreed to deepen their bilateral cultural partnership, focusing on heritage preservation, artist exchanges, and creative economy development, Minister of Culture Fadli Zon said Friday.

The agreement followed a bilateral meeting between Fadli and Fiji’s Minister for Multi-Ethnic Affairs, Culture, Heritage, and Arts, Charan Jeath Singh, on Thursday on the sidelines of the 2026 Indonesia-Pacific Cultural Connect in Yogyakarta.

"Indonesia and Fiji share a long-standing relationship with vast potential for cultural cooperation," Fadli said in a press release, proposing an updated memorandum of understanding to establish a structured framework for future joint initiatives.

Fadli, representing Indonesia on the UNESCO Intergovernmental Committee for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage, voiced support for joint UNESCO nominations, specifically highlighting shared traditions like stone earth-oven cooking—known in Indonesia as Bakar Batu.

"We can explore joint nominations for common traditions while strengthening the exchange of knowledge and expertise in cultural preservation," Fadli added.

The discussions also highlighted plans for artist residencies, capacity-building programs, and collaborative ventures in bamboo-based crafts and creative enterprises.

Singh noted that over five decades of diplomatic relations provide a strong foundation for deepening people-to-people ties.

He affirmed Fiji's interest in leveraging Indonesian expertise in museum management, cultural documentation, and traditional knowledge preservation.

"Fiji sees significant opportunities to strengthen cultural cooperation, particularly in heritage preservation, museum management, cultural documentation, and the protection of traditional knowledge and practices for future generations," Singh said.

Both ministers emphasized that developing community-based creative industries—particularly in bamboo craftsmanship—will create economic opportunities for local artisans, women, and youth across regional and international markets.

Translator: Hreeloita Dharma, Raka Adji
Editor: Aditya Eko Sigit Wicaksono
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