Pakistan, Indonesia pledge stronger cultural and heritage cooperation

July 24, 2025(MLN): In a significant move to deepen bilateral ties, Pakistan and Indonesia have reaffirmed their commitment to expanding cooperation in heritage, culture, and public diplomacy.

The pledge came during a meeting between Mr. Rahmat Hindiarta, Minister Counsellor/Coordinator for Public Diplomacy at the Embassy of Indonesia and Federal Minister for National Heritage and Culture Division, Mr. Aurangzeb Khan Khichi.

Both sides emphasized their shared civilizational roots and expressed strong interest in preserving ancient Buddhist heritage sites that link the cultural landscapes of the two countries.

Minister Khichi announced the establishment of a Buddha Heritage Centre in Islamabad to promote Buddhist history and attract international visitors, said a press release issued today.

He also proposed collaborative visits to Taxila, Takht Bahi, and Shah Allah Ditta.

Mr. Rahmat praised Pakistan’s hospitality, spiritual traditions and cultural richness, highlighting his visits to Sufi shrines in Punjab and Sindh.

He also lauded the global appeal of Multani mangoes.

 Emphasizing the value of people-to-people contact, he proposed greater cultural exchanges through festivals, tourism, and institutional partnerships.

Indonesia extended valuable support during the 1965 war, which Khichi acknowledged while describing the country as a brotherly Muslim nation and a trusted ally.

 He expressed Pakistan’s readiness to sign new cultural MoUs with Indonesia and invited Indonesian participation in the upcoming Lok Virsa Folk Festival.

The PNCA was offered as a platform for Indonesian artists.

Both sides agreed to nominate focal persons to curate historical archives and pledged full support for tourism initiatives.

Minister Khichi commended the Indonesian Embassy’s initiative to establish an “Indonesian Corner” at the National Library of Pakistan.

The meeting concluded with an exchange of cultural books and traditional gifts, reaffirming the spirit of friendship.

 Mr. Usman Shah, CEO of Niftysphere Institute of Arts and Design, was also present and welcomed future collaborations between artists from both nations.

Copyright Mettis Link News