Pakistan and Indonesia Pledge to Deepen Cultural and Heritage Cooperation
Pakistan and Indonesia have reaffirmed their enduring brotherhood and shared commitment to cultural collaboration, vowing to expand ties in heritage preservation, public diplomacy, and people-to-people exchanges. In a cordial meeting held in Islamabad, Mr. Rahmat Hindiarta, Minister Counsellor and Coordinator for Public Diplomacy at the Indonesian Embassy, held discussions with Mr. Aurangzeb Khan Khichi, Pakistan’s Federal Minister for National Heritage and Culture, to chart a course for enhanced cultural engagement between the two nations.
During the meeting, both sides underscored the historic and close relations that bind Pakistan and Indonesia, reflecting a deep foundation of mutual respect, shared civilizational values, and longstanding friendship. The discussions placed special focus on the preservation of ancient Buddhist sites, noting the cultural links these sites forge between the two countries’ historical narratives.
Mr. Rahmat highlighted Bali’s global reputation as a center of Buddhist temples and spiritual heritage, and praised Pakistan’s reverence for its own spiritual traditions. Recalling his visits to Punjab and Sindh, he commended the warmth and hospitality of the Pakistani people, particularly noting their respect for Sufi shrines and the enduring message of love and harmony they espouse. He also complimented the flavor and international recognition of Multani mangoes, describing them as “a treasure of flavor.”
Calling for expanded cultural ties, the Indonesian envoy proposed greater people-to-people contact through collaborative festivals, tourism, and institutional partnerships. He introduced Indonesia’s rich cultural landscape and suggested that cultural diplomacy be made a central pillar of bilateral relations, alongside economic cooperation.
Federal Minister Khichi expressed appreciation for Indonesia’s consistent support for Pakistan, particularly recalling the nation’s stance during the 1965 war. He characterized Indonesia as both a valued partner and a brotherly Muslim country. Reaffirming Pakistan’s dedication to cultural diplomacy, the minister proposed joint visits to important heritage sites such as Taxila, Takht Bahi, and Shah Allah Ditta, which echo the Buddhist heritage shared with Indonesia.
Mr. Khichi also announced the establishment of a Buddha Heritage Centre in Islamabad, designed to highlight Pakistan’s ancient Buddhist history and attract international pilgrims and researchers. He assured the Indonesian delegation that efforts are underway to streamline visa processes to encourage tourism, especially for those wishing to explore Pakistan’s Buddhist sites.
In a bid to formalize and broaden cultural ties, Minister Khichi revealed that Pakistan has already signed cultural memorandums of understanding (MoUs) with approximately 90 countries and expressed readiness to initiate similar agreements with Indonesia. Both sides agreed to begin drafting new MoUs focused on cultural exchange, heritage preservation, and institutional cooperation.
Further strengthening bilateral engagement, the Pakistani minister extended an invitation for Indonesia to participate in the upcoming Lok Virsa Folk Festival, encouraging the country to showcase its music, dance, and crafts. He also offered the resources of the Pakistan National Council of the Arts (PNCA) to support Indonesian artists and performers.
Responding to Indonesia’s interest in tourism collaboration, Mr. Khichi pledged full support for facilitating Indonesian visitors keen on exploring Buddhist sites in Pakistan, and both delegations decided to nominate focal persons to curate and archive materials documenting the historical ties between their countries.
Minister Khichi also commend the Indonesian Embassy for establishing an “Indonesian Corner” at the National Library of Pakistan, considering it a symbol of strengthening bilateral friendship. Reiterating Pakistan’s commitment to protecting cultural and religious heritage, the minister assured that minorities in Pakistan enjoy equal rights and protection by law, and emphasized Pakistan’s steady progress toward national stability.
The meeting concluded with an exchange of cultural books and traditional gifts, symbolizing the warmth and depth of the relationship. Mr. Usman Shah, CEO of Niftysphere Institute of Arts and Design, attended the session and pledged to support creative collaborations between the two countries’ artistic communities.
