Indonesia and Germany are looking to strengthen cultural ties, including the potential repatriation of Indonesian historical artifacts and an update to their 1988 cultural cooperation agreement, following a meeting between Indonesian Culture Minister Fadli Zon and German Ambassador to Indonesia Ralf Beste.
Strengthening Cultural Cooperation
Zon stated the need to update the existing cultural collaboration, which began in 1988, to reflect current global dynamics and priorities. He believes it is time for both nations to update this partnership.
Discussions also focused on promoting Indonesian culture internationally, particularly through the Rumah Budaya Indonesia (Indonesian Cultural House) in Berlin, which is located within the Indonesian Embassy.
Artifact Repatriation and Joint Projects
Zon plans to discuss the return of fossils currently housed in Germany, specifically 13 prehistoric humanoid fossils discovered in Sangiran, Central Java, which are displayed at the Senckenberg Museum.
A collaborative film project centered on Georg Eberhard Rumphius, a German botanist who lived in Ambon, Maluku, was also proposed.
Indonesia is preparing to welcome German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier for a state visit on March 9, 2026.
Ambassador Beste expressed support for deepening cultural cooperation through historical narratives, film, literature, object repatriation, and museum collaborations.
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