Indonesia, South Africa Agree to Deepen Cultural Cooperation, Strengthen People-to-People Ties
Jakarta, The Gulf Observer: Indonesia and South Africa have agreed to deepen cultural cooperation by preserving the legacy of Sheikh Yusuf Al-Makassari and strengthening people-to-people ties between the two countries, Indonesian Culture Minister Fadli Zon said.
The agreement was reached during Zon’s meeting with South Africa’s Sports, Arts and Culture Minister Gayton McKenzie on the sidelines of the 11th BRICS Culture Ministers’ Meeting in Bhopal, India, on Saturday, August 8.
Zon said Indonesia highly values its close friendship with South Africa, emphasizing that both countries share commitments to justice and diversity and recognize culture as an important bridge between their societies.
He noted that bilateral ties extend beyond diplomatic relations, encompassing a shared history that spans several centuries. In this regard, the legacy of Sheikh Yusuf Al-Makassari represents an important symbol of the historical connections between Indonesia and South Africa.
Zon said the 400th anniversary of Sheikh Yusuf’s birth in 2026 provides a significant opportunity to expand cooperation in cultural preservation, historical research, museums, education and cultural exchanges.
He highlighted potential joint activities, including commemorative events, research initiatives, heritage preservation, museum cooperation and educational exchanges.
Indonesia also attaches importance to the Cape Malay community in South Africa, whose historical roots can be traced to the Indonesian archipelago. According to Zon, cultural cooperation could be further expanded through community exchanges, oral-history documentation, preservation of intangible cultural heritage, youth programmes and academic collaboration.
As part of these efforts, Indonesia is preparing to establish the Sheikh Yusuf Indonesian Cultural House in Cape Town, which is envisioned as a centre for cultural diplomacy, education, research, arts activities and community engagement.
Zon said the proposed cultural house would serve a broader purpose than simply being a cultural facility, describing it as a potential hub for diplomacy, education, research and community gatherings.
McKenzie expressed support for commemorating the 400th anniversary of Sheikh Yusuf’s birth and pledged to further strengthen Indonesia-South Africa relations through exchanges involving Cape Malay communities, artists and cultural practitioners.
He also welcomed Indonesia’s initiative to establish the Sheikh Yusuf Indonesian Cultural House in Cape Town, according to the Indonesian Culture Ministry.
During the meeting, the two countries further agreed to update their 2008 Memorandum of Understanding on Cultural Cooperation to reflect contemporary priorities.
The updated framework is expected to cover areas including cultural heritage, museums, archives, creative industries, film, cultural education, as well as exchanges involving artists and young people.
The agreement underscores the two countries’ shared commitment to using cultural cooperation as a means of preserving historical heritage, promoting mutual understanding and further strengthening bilateral relations.
