Jakarta (ANTARA) – The Indonesian and Indian governments are enhancing collaboration on cultural heritage preservation, cultural exchanges, and people-to-people ties.
Efforts to bolster cultural cooperation between the two nations were discussed during a bilateral meeting between Indonesian Minister of Culture Fadli Zon and Indian Minister of Culture Gajendra Singh Shekhawat on the sidelines of the 11th BRICS Culture Ministers’ Meeting in Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh, India, on Friday (August 7).
According to a statement on Saturday, the bilateral meeting addressed several issues, including the follow-up to an agreement to restore 100 Perwara temples within the Prambanan Temple complex.
Under this cooperation framework, Indonesia and India will each restore 50 temples, with completion targeted before 2029.
Fadli Zon said this collaboration represents a tangible manifestation of the partnership between the two countries in safeguarding cultural heritage and enhancing the transfer of knowledge and expertise regarding conservation.
Both ministers also discussed the Pucangan Inscription (Calcutta Stone), which is currently stored in the Indian Museum in Kolkata.
The Indonesian government opened talks for the repatriation of the inscription to Indonesia.
Cultural cooperation between Indonesia and India also encompasses the Indonesia–India Cultural Exchange Programme (2025–2028).
The program includes artist residencies, scholarships, archaeological field schools, joint research, joint film production, and the digitization of cultural heritage archives.
The ministers also discussed the Tagore–Dewantara Year (2026–2027) event, to commemorate the centenary of artist Rabindranath Tagore’s visit to Indonesia and to strengthen cooperation in culture, education, literature, academia, and youth exchange.
Fadli Zon conveyed that culture serves as a vital pillar of the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between Indonesia and India.
Meanwhile, Minister Shekhawat stated that the historical ties between Indonesia and India serve as a solid foundation for expanding cultural collaboration
The cultural cooperation covers efforts to preserve cultural heritage, technology-based manuscript conservation, and plans to include a traditional pinisi vessel at the National Maritime Heritage Complex in India.
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Translator: Hreeloita Dharma S, Resinta Sulistiyandari
Editor: Azis Kurmala
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