Indonesia–Morocco Cultural Diplomacy Strengthens Through Artistic Collaboration

Jakarta, July 28, 2026 – The Ministry of Culture of the Republic of Indonesia, in collaboration with the Embassy of the Kingdom of Morocco, held “A Musical Bridge Between Morocco & Indonesia: Harmony of Heritage, Rhythm of Unity” in Jakarta on Monday (28/7). This cultural performance celebrated the friendship between the two countries while strengthening cultural diplomacy through music, literature, and performing arts.

The event was attended by Minister of Culture Fadli Zon, Deputy Minister of Culture Giring Ganesha Djumaryo, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Muhammad Anis Matta, the Moroccan Ambassador to Indonesia Redouane Houssaini, members of the diplomatic corps, government officials, cultural practitioners, and artists from both countries. The presence of these various elements reflects a shared commitment to continue strengthening cultural cooperation as an important pillar in the bilateral relationship between Indonesia and Morocco.

In his speech, the Moroccan Ambassador to Indonesia, Redouane Houssaini, stated that this cultural night was a celebration of the strong friendship that has developed between the two countries. According to him, culture serves as a means to bring people together across nations through universal values.

“Tonight, we celebrate more than just music. We celebrate the eternal friendship between the Kingdom of Morocco and the Republic of Indonesia, a friendship based on mutual respect and trust, shared values,” said Redouane.

Redouane added that the collaborative performances of Indonesian and Moroccan musicians represent a real dialogue of cultures that transcends geographical and linguistic boundaries. He hopes that this activity can be a starting point for the emergence of various forms of closer cultural cooperation in the future.

The event opened with a reading of the poem “Oleh Tanjung” by Taufiq Ismail, performed by Peri Sandi Huizche. The performance continued with the music group Muara, which showcased the rich sounds of the archipelago using various traditional Indonesian instruments. Following that, the group Melodies of Al-Andalus introduced Moroccan musical traditions through the performance of their country's characteristic instruments. The highlight of the show was marked by the collaboration of both groups, blending the musical colors of Indonesia and Morocco as a symbol of friendship and mutual respect.

On the same occasion, Minister of Culture Fadli Zon expressed that the relationship between Indonesia and Morocco has a long historical footprint, having developed long before official diplomatic relations were established. This relationship grew through the journeys of scholars, intellectuals, traders, and explorers who introduced the archipelago to the Islamic world through their travel accounts. This interaction then evolved into an increasingly close relationship through the exchange of knowledge, values, and cultural heritage that continues to be passed down from generation to generation.

Fadli assessed that amidst the dynamic developments in the world, culture holds a strategic position as a diplomatic instrument capable of building mutual understanding and strengthening inter-state relations.

“Culture creates a space for dialogue amidst differences, builds mutual trust in times of uncertainty, and strengthens relationships among communities that form the foundation of lasting international partnerships,” Fadli stated.

Fadli explained that the Morocco-Indonesia Arts Night is a tangible implementation of cultural diplomacy realized through music, poetry, and various artistic expressions. According to him, culture serves as a universal language that can bring together people from different backgrounds while opening opportunities for collaboration across various sectors. Fadli hopes that the relationship between the two countries continues to develop through various sustainable cultural initiatives.

“I hope this Morocco-Indonesia Arts Night becomes the beginning of broader cooperation between the two countries through art exchanges, cultural heritage preservation, film and music collaborations, research, education, and the development of cultural industries and the creative economy,” he concluded.