The Indonesian Ministry of Culture has investigated possible collaboration with China State Construction International Holdings Limited (CSCI) to enhance cultural infrastructure and facilities, particularly a center for traditional medicine.
“We truly welcome the idea of establishing a traditional medicine center in Indonesia,” he says.
Culture Minister Fadli Zon emphasized that Indonesia sees the proposed medication center as not just a health facility but also as a venue for showcasing cultural expressions.
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In that regard, Zon highlighted Indonesia’s prowess in wellness culture, mainly exemplified by jamu, a broad term for traditional herbal beverages that UNESCO has acknowledged as an Intangible Cultural Heritage.
The minister conveyed assurance that there are ample opportunities for Indonesia and China to enhance their partnership in the development or restoration of cultural and historic sites and structures.
“Cooperation in developing and revitalizing historic buildings could be a key focus in this bilateral partnership. On cultural affairs, there is huge potential to develop old towns in various regions across Indonesia,” he states.
Zon also suggested that the Ministry of Culture intends to pursue the opportunities by engaging in additional discussions with other ministries and agencies in Indonesia.
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He subsequently highlighted that his organization is dedicated to creating a more supportive environment for cultural promotion and preservation via infrastructure enhancement and the revitalization of heritage sites.
CSCI Chairman Gao Bo emphasized that both parties could enhance collaboration beyond infrastructure projects to work together on elevating the quality of human resources in relation to culture.
“In addition to design, concept, and planning, a development project requires awareness of the cultural characteristics of the local community in the construction region,” he says.
Previously, the Culture Ministry conducted a discussion with the Greek Embassy in Indonesia to address, among other topics, the establishment of a coalition for returning cultural artifacts. Indonesia has recently brought back around 28,131 Dubois fossils from Trinil and 30,000 artifacts from the Netherlands.
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Fadli Zon suggests that nations like Indonesia, Greece, Iraq, and Egypt might collaborate to promote the repatriation of cultural artifacts. The ministry is dedicated to tracking the results of the meeting and leading the establishment of a global coalition to support the retrieval of national cultural heritage.
In the meeting, both parties highlighted the significance of collaboration within UNESCO, especially concerning the safeguarding of cultural heritage, the advancement of intangible cultural heritage, and the elimination of illegal cultural artifacts. The collaboration will involve sharing scientific knowledge on preservation and showcasing Indonesian artifacts in Greece to present Indonesian culture to the European audience.