Jakarta (ANTARA) – Indonesia’s Culture Ministry is exploring cultural cooperation with Suriname to promote national heritage globally, drawing on the shared Javanese heritage of the two countries.
“The Javanese community in Suriname is a cultural asset that can strengthen Indonesia’s cultural promotion while preserving the historical ties between the two countries,” Culture Minister Fadli Zon said Tuesday.
The ministry is also exploring joint or extended nominations for UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage list to strengthen the preservation and promotion of shared traditions.
During a meeting with Suriname President’s State Advisor Paul Somohardjo, Zon said the two countries share longstanding ties rooted in Javanese culture.
He noted that Javanese culture has flourished outside Indonesia, including in Suriname, the Netherlands and Cape Town, South Africa, through historical migration.
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The Javanese diaspora therefore forms an important part of Indonesia’s global cultural network, Zon said.
“We want to strengthen cultural ties between Indonesia and Suriname and make culture part of Indonesia’s contribution to global civilization,” Zon added.
Somohardjo said Suriname’s Javanese community continues to preserve cultural traditions passed down through generations.
Javanese language and script, customs, rituals and Kejawen, a traditional Javanese spiritual tradition, remain recognized and studied as integral parts of the community’s identity.
He said cultural preservation must be sustainable and supported by strong diplomatic ties so younger generations remain connected to their roots.
“Culture must be studied and preserved or it could disappear. We must protect Javanese culture because it is our root and origin and never forget our identity,” Somohardjo said.
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Translator: Sinta Ambarwati, Uyu Liman
Editor: Rahmad Nasution
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