Indonesia-Morocco Expand Cultural Diplomacy, Target Film for Creative Economy Ties

Indonesia and Morocco are opening opportunities for wider cooperation in the fields of film, music, education, research, tourism, and the creative economy. Culture has been chosen as a gateway to strengthen relations between the two countries amid an increasingly complex geopolitical situation. Minister of Culture Fadli Zon stated that cultural diplomacy is an effective soft power to build trust and open dialogue between communities. "In the midst of an increasingly complex geopolitical landscape, cultural diplomacy is one of the most effective forms of soft power," Fadli said at the Indonesian-Moroccan Art Night held at the Ministry of Culture Complex in Jakarta on Tuesday (28/7). According to Fadli, cultural cooperation should not stop at art performances. The exchange of artists, preservation of cultural heritage, film and music collaboration, academic research, and the development of the cultural industry need to be followed up. Fadli assessed that the relationship between Indonesia and Morocco has long historical roots, with the exchange of knowledge, traditions, and cultural values connecting the two nations for centuries. He noted that the collaboration of traditional music presented at the event demonstrates that two cultures can meet without losing their respective identities, with Moroccan Sufi and Andalusian music combining with the richness of ethnic and religious music from Nusantara. The Ambassador of the Kingdom of Morocco to Indonesia, Redouane Houssaini, said that culture is one of the strongest bridges in inter-state relations. The meeting of musicians from the two countries is seen as a reflection of the dialogue and friendship that has been built. "Through this cultural performance, we hope that the Indonesian people can get to know a part of the soul and cultural heritage of Morocco, as well as open up wider collaboration opportunities," Houssaini stated. The Indonesian-Moroccan Art Night featured poetry readings by Taufiq Ismail, performances by the Muara music group, and Melodies of Al-Andalus. The event concluded with a collaboration between Indonesian and Moroccan musicians performing traditional songs from both countries. The activity was also attended by Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Anis Matta, Deputy Minister of Culture Giring Ganesha Djumaryo, and several officials from the Ministry of Culture.