Indonesia to Establish Cultural Hub in South Africa, Leveraging Sheikh Yusuf's Legacy

Indonesia is preparing to establish the Sheikh Yusuf Indonesian Cultural House in Cape Town, South Africa. The cultural house is designed to serve as a center for cultural activities, education, and research, aiming to deepen the connection between the two nations. This plan was discussed by Indonesian Minister of Culture, Fadli Zon, alongside South Africa's Minister of Sports, Arts, and Culture, Gayton McKenzie, on the sidelines of the XI BRICS Culture Ministers' Meeting held in Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh, India. During the meeting, the legacy of Sheikh Yusuf Al-Makassari was highlighted as a significant link in the historical narrative connecting Indonesia and South Africa. The year 2026, marking the 400th anniversary of Sheikh Yusuf's birth, is envisioned as a crucial opportunity to expand cooperation through academic research, preservation of cultural heritage, museum initiatives, educational programs, and cultural exchanges. "The 400th anniversary of Sheikh Yusuf's birth is an important momentum to strengthen cooperation between Indonesia and South Africa," stated Minister Fadli. According to Minister Fadli, the relationship between the two countries possesses historical roots that extend far beyond formal diplomatic ties. Indonesia also aims to bolster ties with the Cape Malay community, which shares historical origins from the Indonesian archipelago. Potential areas for collaboration include oral history documentation, protection of intangible cultural heritage, youth programs, cultural exchanges, and academic pursuits. One of the tangible projects being prepared is the Sheikh Yusuf Indonesian Cultural House in Cape Town. "We see the Sheikh Yusuf Indonesian Cultural House not just as a cultural building. It can become a center for cultural diplomacy, a space for education and research, a gathering place for the community, as well as a symbol of friendship between Indonesia and South Africa," Minister Fadli elaborated. Furthermore, both nations discussed the update of the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on Cultural Cooperation, originally signed in 2008. The scope of this renewed cooperation is set to focus on areas such as cultural heritage, museums, archives, creative industries, film, cultural education, and the exchange of artists and youth. Gayton McKenzie expressed his support for both the 400th anniversary of Sheikh Yusuf and the plan to establish the cultural house in Cape Town. He also affirmed his backing for increased exchanges between the Cape Malay community, artists, and cultural practitioners of both countries. Minister Fadli was accompanied at the meeting by the Director General of Diplomacy, Promotion, and Cultural Cooperation, the Acting Charge d'Affaires Ad Interim of the Indonesian Embassy in New Delhi, and the Director of Cultural Cooperation.