Indonesia and Kuwait Discuss MoU to Strengthen Cultural Cooperation

JAKARTA - Indonesia and Kuwait are actively exploring avenues to enhance their cultural cooperation, moving beyond mere exchange of cultural events to concrete initiatives such as a new Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), collaboration between museums, and support under the framework of UNESCO conventions. This agenda was discussed when the Minister of Culture, Fadli Zon, received the Ambassador of Kuwait to Indonesia, Khalid Jassim Al-Yassin, at the Ministry of Culture Office in Senayan, Jakarta, on Wednesday, August 5. Minister Fadli proposed the drafting of a new MoU as an umbrella for Indonesian and Kuwaiti cultural cooperation. He emphasized that this step would strengthen the implementation of the Cultural Cooperation Agreement signed by both countries on May 30, 2007. Fadli noted that the existence of a separate Ministry of Culture provides a dedicated platform for enhancing bilateral cultural ties. Indonesia also invited Kuwait to explore cooperation within the framework of the 2003 UNESCO Convention on the Protection of Intangible Cultural Heritage. Four specific proposals were put forward, seeking Kuwait's support for Arabic calligraphy and the tradition of Islamic calligraphy, palm tree-based culture, community deliberation traditions, and weaving traditions. Kuwaiti Ambassador Khalid Jassim Al-Yassin welcomed the proposal for a new MoU, assessing that it could strengthen the implementation of the cultural cooperation agreed upon in 2007. Kuwait also expressed its readiness to follow up on Indonesia's proposals related to the 2003 UNESCO Convention. Beyond UNESCO, Ambassador Khalid opened the door for inter-museum cooperation, suggesting forms such as the exchange of collections and joint exhibitions. He mentioned Kuwait's "Islamic Heritage House," a private collection owned by the Al Sabah royal family, some of which has been exhibited in world-renowned museums like the Louvre in Paris and the Kremlin Museum in Moscow. He highlighted the relevance of this cooperation for Indonesia due to shared Islamic heritage and historical ties with Islamic civilization, proposing the exhibition of Indonesian collections in Kuwaiti museums. The meeting also touched upon the plan for "Kuwait Cultural Week" in Indonesia, scheduled for early 2027, which would feature music and dance groups, and art exhibitions. Reciprocally, both parties explored the possibility of an "Indonesian Cultural Week" in Kuwait. Minister Fadli welcomed these ideas, suggesting that Indonesia and Kuwait could explore collaboration in the traditional and fashion textile sector. He pointed out the potential for Indonesian batik, weaving, and Muslim fashion to be included in the cultural agenda of both countries. Both parties agreed to follow up on the discussed opportunities for cooperation, encompassing new MoUs, museum collaboration, UNESCO initiatives, and the organization of cultural weeks in both nations. Information Source: VOI English