Indonesia, Iran Eye Joint Film Production, Expand Cultural Ties

Indonesia and Iran are preparing to expand cultural cooperation after the current Cultural Exchange Programme 2023-2026 concludes. Key areas to be prioritized include film, literature, museums, education, and cultural heritage. The plan was discussed by Indonesian Minister of Culture Fadli Zon and Iran's Deputy Minister of Culture Mohsen Javadi on the sidelines of the XI BRICS Culture Ministers' Meeting in Bhopal, India. "Indonesia and Iran have long-standing relations, especially in the cultural field. We need to update and strengthen these relations through increasingly concrete cooperation," stated Minister Fadli. Both nations agreed to prepare a new cultural exchange program to follow the 2023-2026 period. This expanded cooperation will encompass cultural heritage, museums, literature and translation, film, creative industries, education, and inter-institutional exchanges. Filmmaking has been identified as a priority area, with Minister Fadli encouraging joint production and industry exchanges. He cited the adaptation of the Iranian film "Children of Heaven" in Indonesia as an example of successful creative collaboration. "In the future, we can explore more joint production opportunities between filmmakers from both countries," Fadli added. In literature, Iran has invited Indonesia to participate in the Tehran International Book Fair and offered programs for translating Persian literary works and international titles into Persian. Indonesia has welcomed this offer and is exploring participation in upcoming events. Discussions also covered cultural weeks and cultural tourism. Cooperation within the framework of UNESCO is also on the agenda. Minister Fadli encouraged closer collaboration following Indonesia's election to the Intergovernmental Committee for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage for the 2026-2030 term. Indonesia also reiterated its interest in participating in the expansion of the multinational nomination for the "Tradition of Iftar" and exploring other joint nominations. Deputy Minister Javadi welcomed the initiative to update the cooperation, viewing the end of the current program as an opportunity to broaden the Indonesian-Iranian cultural agenda. He emphasized the importance of introducing cultural ties to younger generations through various mediums like film, literature, music, education, and cultural tourism. The meeting was attended by Director General of Diplomacy, Promotion, and Cultural Cooperation Endah T.D. Retnoastuti, Acting Charge d'Affaires Ad Interim of the Indonesian Embassy in New Delhi Yudho Sasongko, Director of Cultural Cooperation Mardisontori, and several Iranian cultural officials.