Indonesia and Qatar plan cultural initiatives to mark 50 years of diplomatic ties

Indonesia and Qatar plan cultural initiatives to mark 50 years of diplomatic ties

Indonesia and Qatar are preparing a series of cultural initiatives to commemorate the 50th anniversary of their diplomatic relationship, which was officially established on November 10, 1976. The plans include exhibitions, cultural exchanges and a formal cooperation framework, according to Indonesia's Culture Ministry.

Culture Minister Fadli Zon, a historian and politician who assumed his ministerial role in October 2024, met with Qatar's Ambassador to Indonesia Sultan bin Mubarak Saad Al-Dosari on Thursday to outline the collaborative agenda.

"We admire how Qatar has become increasingly active in preserving and promoting its culture because culture is one of our greatest strengths," Fadli said during the meeting.

Proposed initiatives for the golden jubilee

Among the proposals under consideration is a stamp exhibition showcasing the cultural diversity of both nations. Indonesia, home to 1,340 ethnic groups and 718 languages, represents one of the world's most culturally diverse countries, while Qatar has actively championed its cultural heritage on the international stage.

Fadli also proposed formalizing the partnership through a Memorandum of Understanding that would establish a comprehensive framework for bilateral cultural cooperation. He emphasized that such an agreement should translate into concrete initiatives strengthening bilateral relations, expanding cultural exchanges and enhancing cultural diplomacy globally.

Ambassador Al-Dosari welcomed the commemoration plans and suggested incorporating Qatar National Day celebrations into the program. Observed annually on December 18, Qatar National Day commemorates the country's unification in 1878 under Sheikh Jassim bin Mohammed Al Thani. The ambassador proposed featuring a painting exhibition and orchestral performance as part of the festivities.

Historical and contemporary ties

The meeting also touched upon artworks displayed at the Culture Ministry, including a portrait of Sheikh Yusuf Al-Makassari, a 17th-century Islamic scholar born in Gowa, Makassar on July 3, 1626. After being exiled first to Sri Lanka in 1682 and subsequently to the Cape of Good Hope in 1694, Sheikh Yusuf spread Islamic teachings in South Africa until his death on May 23, 1699.

"He is the only person recognized as a national hero by both Indonesia and South Africa. Nelson Mandela described Sheikh Yusuf Al-Makassari as 'one of Africa's best sons'," Fadli noted. Indonesia formally declared Sheikh Yusuf a National Hero on August 7, 1995, while South Africa posthumously awarded him the Order of the Companions of O.R. Tambo in Gold on September 27, 2005.

The timing of the golden jubilee celebrations coincides with UNESCO's 2026 commemoration of the 400th anniversary of Sheikh Yusuf's birth, a proposal by Indonesia that was approved at the 43rd UNESCO General Conference in 2025.

The cultural cooperation discussions build upon previous collaborative efforts between the two nations, including the Qatar-Indonesia Year of Culture celebrated in 2023. Beyond cultural ties, the bilateral relationship encompasses significant economic dimensions, with trade reaching approximately QR 4.13 billion (US$1.13 billion) in 2024, reflecting 13.5 percent growth compared to QR 3.64 billion in 2023.

Qatar established a US$1 billion investment fund in Indonesia in 2010 through Qatar Holding, targeting infrastructure and natural resources sectors, while Ooredoo maintains a significant stake in Indosat, one of Indonesia's leading telecommunications operators.

Since establishing diplomatic relations nearly five decades ago, the partnership has evolved through institutional development. Qatar opened its embassy in Jakarta in November 1997, followed by Indonesia's inauguration of its embassy in Doha in June 1999.

Fadli was accompanied at Thursday's meeting by the ministry's Director General of Cultural Diplomacy, Promotion and Cooperation Endah T.D. Retnoastuti and Expert Staff for Inter-Institutional Relations Ismunandar. Ambassador Al-Dosari attended with Qatar Embassy Second Secretary Saad Mohammed I.M. Al-Emadi and political researcher Hayder Alhadey.