Minister of State and President of Qatar National Library H E Dr. Hamad bin Abdulaziz Al Kawari meeting with Indonesia Minister of Tourism and Creative Economy Sandiaga Uno.
Doha, Qatar: A high-level cultural delegation from Qatar has arrived in Indonesia as part of the Qatar-Indonesia 2023 Year of Culture initiative to jointly carry out cultural exchanges and deepen bilateral relations between the two countries across various sectors of the creative economy.
Indonesia is the 11th partner country of the annual cultural exchange launched by Qatar Museums Chairperson H E Sheikha Al Mayassa bint Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani in 2012 and the first country in Southeast Asia.
The Qatari delegation is led by H E Dr. Hamad bin Abdulaziz Al Kawari, Minister of State and President of Qatar National Library, as well as representatives from cultural institutions in Qatar. They were joined by Qatar’s Ambassador to the Republic of Indonesia H E Fawziya Edrees Salman Al Sulaiti.
“We believe that culture is one of the most effective tools for bringing people together, encouraging dialogue and connection, and deepening understanding between peoples. Guided by Qatar’s National Vision 2030, we seek to strengthen cultural exchange and dialogue between global communities. For this reason, Qatar launched the “Years of Culture” initiative a decade ago to deepen understanding between nations and their people,” explained Dr. Al Kawari.
The Qatar-Indonesia 2023 Year of Culture is organised under the theme of “Bhinneka,” which means diversity — although Indonesia and Qatar share cultural and social similarities, both countries are home to diverse people who live together in harmony. This year will celebrate the unique aspects of Indonesian culture and its relationship to Qatari culture. Partnerships will also emphasise supporting the development of Indonesia’s creative economy as one of the fastest growing emerging markets, including an emphasis on projects that will boost the creative industries in both countries with a focus on sustainable long-term partnerships.
“Similar to Indonesia, which has the largest Muslim population of any country in the world, Qatar is also a Muslim country. Both countries have a tolerant and diverse tradition, which we are very proud of. This partnership takes our Years of Culture initiative to a new level. The 2023 programme is designed to support not only the development of culture, but also the creative industries in both countries, to jointly advance the successes that have been achieved,” added Dr. Al Kawari.
During the visit, Dr. Al Kawari also held meetings with a number of ministers, including with Minister of Tourism and Creative Economy, Sandiaga Uno; Minister of Education, Culture, Research, and Technology, Nadiem Makarim and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Retno Marsudi.
The year-long cultural collaboration between Qatar and Indonesia centres on 12 pillars, including art, fashion and design, music and theatre, sports, film and photography, cuisine, literature, health and education, politics and economics, museums and exhibitions, sustainability, and science and technology.
These pillars are brought to life throughout the year in Qatar and the partnering country through collaborative residency programmes, photography exchanges, culinary trips, social projects, art exhibitions, and literary and film festivals. Qatar-Indonesia 2023 features an expansive programme taking place across the country of Indonesia, including Jakarta, Medan, Jogjakarta, Bali, Sumba, Tasikmalaya, Ternate, Pontianak, and other cities and provinces.
