Indonesia, Belarus Sign Cultural Cooperation Pact to Strengthen Bilateral Relations

Jakarta, The Gulf Observer: Indonesia and Belarus on Thursday signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on cultural cooperation aimed at expanding bilateral relations through joint programmes involving artists, museums, academics and creative communities, Indonesian Culture Minister Fadli Zon announced.

The agreement establishes a framework for structured, sustainable and mutually beneficial cultural cooperation, while promoting stronger people-to-people ties between the two countries.

Speaking on the occasion, Fadli Zon said the partnership would connect artists, cultural workers, museums, arts institutions, academics and creative communities from Indonesia and Belarus to collaborate, exchange knowledge, and foster innovation.

“This is the essence of cultural diplomacy—building people-to-people connections that ultimately strengthen ties between nations,” the minister said.

He expressed confidence that the agreement would lead to concrete initiatives that enhance Indonesia’s presence in the global cultural landscape and reaffirm both countries’ commitment to strengthening bilateral relations through culture as a key pillar of their strategic partnership.

Fadli noted that the MoU also supports Indonesia’s broader cultural diplomacy agenda aimed at enhancing the country’s global soft power.

“Under President Prabowo Subianto, Indonesia continues to strengthen cultural diplomacy as a key pillar of its foreign relations,” he said, adding that cultural engagement plays an important role in fostering trust, friendship and mutually beneficial international cooperation.

The agreement provides a foundation for long-term collaboration in the arts, cultural heritage and creative industries. Areas of cooperation include partnerships among performing arts institutions, theatre and film organizations, museums, artists’ associations, museum exhibition exchanges, and participation in international film festivals.

The two countries will also work together on capacity building for artists and cultural workers, as well as initiatives to protect, document and restore cultural and historical heritage.

In addition, the cooperation framework covers folklore, fine arts, traditional dance, traditional music, handicrafts and other cultural fields to support the implementation of joint programmes.

To oversee implementation, Indonesia and Belarus will establish a joint working group responsible for facilitating, monitoring and evaluating cooperation, as well as preparing sustainable work programmes.

The Memorandum of Understanding will remain in force for five years from the date of signing and may be automatically extended by mutual agreement of both parties.