Indonesia, France Launch Strategic Cultural Partnership at Borobudur Temple
President Prabowo Subianto along with French President Emmanuel Macron delivers a joint press statement after visiting Borobudur Temple, Magelang, Central Java Province, on Thursday (5/29). (Photo by: BPMI of Presidential Secretariat)
President Prabowo Subianto, Thursday (5/29), along with French President Emmanuel Macron and First Lady Brigitte Macron visited Borobudur Temple in Magelang, Central Java province. The visit of the two heads of state to Borobudur marked the launch of a strategic partnership in the field of culture between Indonesia and France.
“This morning, our Minister of Culture and several actors in the cultural industries were present here. I would like to thank you for signing a number of agreements,” said President Macron in his remarks.
President Macron said this cultural partnership will be based on two main pillars. The first pillar is cooperation in the field of world heritage preservation and museum management. He said Indonesia has a vast wealth of world heritage and France is ready to share its expertise in this field.
“There is cooperation between the Indonesian Heritage Agency and the Centro de Monuments Nationaux. I am glad that a number of Indonesian people will come to France to learn from each other,” he said.
In-depth studies for priority heritage sites will be carried out with assistances from various educational and research institutions in France. In addition, a partnership between EVO and Grand Palais Museum Guimet has also been launched to prepare various exhibitions, involving contemporary artists from both countries.
“We will provide mentoring for tangible actions based on Indonesia’s priorities. Schools, research centers, and other institutions in France are ready to participate in this initiative,” he said.
Furthermore, President Macron conveyed the second pillar, namely strengthening the cultural industry and creative economy. He said the creative industry is at the core of people’s lives and this partnership aims to empower the creative and innovative young generations of Indonesia and France.
“France and Indonesia want to make their young people independent and this is also a partnership for inventive young people in France and Indonesia,” he said.
The French President conveyed several cooperation programs, including film collaboration between the French Centre national du cinéma (CNC) and the La Fémis film school. The partnerships in this field include training, dissemination of works, and joint film co-production.
“Especially partnerships for training, dissemination and joint co-production to build and develop a funding model for a film sector that does not only depend on big models like those implemented by France,” he added.
In the fashion sector, President Macron appreciated the partnership with the PINTU Indonesian France fashion incubator and the involvement of Indonesian designers in Paris Fashion Week. He said the partnership in the cultural sector will also be expanded to other sectors, such as games, design, gastronomy, and sustainable urban planning.
“I would like to greet all the actors of the Indonesian creative industry who are present here, whose talents are also known in France, like in Cannes, through gastronomy or even renowned fashion designers. I would also like to convey the method of a balanced partnership that is mutually beneficial,” he said.
Closing his remarks, President Macron emphasized the principle of a partnership that is mutually respectful and beneficial. He also expressed his honor at being able to launch this partnership at the Borobudur Temple.
“This is indeed an extraordinary thing for me. This is a sign that Indonesia and France want to be a trusted partner, friend, and companion. Long live Indonesia, long live France, and long live the friendship between our two countries,” he said. (BPMI of Presidential Secretariat) (JAS/MUR)
