**Pakistan and Indonesia Pledge to Expand Cultural and Heritage Cooperation**
Pakistan and Indonesia have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening cultural, heritage, and people-to-people ties, building on a shared legacy of historical brotherhood and mutual respect. In high-level discussions held in Islamabad, both nations signaled renewed ambition to deepen collaboration in heritage preservation, cultural exchange, and public diplomacy.
In a meeting at the National Heritage and Culture Division, Mr. Rahmat Hindiarta, Minister Counsellor for Public Diplomacy at the Indonesian Embassy, met with Federal Minister Aurangzeb Khan Khichi. The two sides highlighted their countries’ longstanding friendship, linked by common civilizational and spiritual values. Particular attention was given to opportunities for cooperation in the preservation of ancient Buddhist sites, a cultural heritage linking Pakistan and Indonesia.
Mr. Rahmat emphasized the spiritual and historical significance of Bali, internationally renowned for its Buddhist temples and ancient culture. Sharing insights from his travels to Punjab and Sindh, he expressed admiration for Pakistan’s proud tradition of Sufi hospitality and the spiritual openness of its people, noting the strong resonance between Sufi teachings and Indonesia’s own values of love and harmony. He also remarked on the global fame of Multani mangoes, describing them as “a treasure of flavor.”
Seeking to further strengthen bilateral relations, Mr. Rahmat called for increased people-to-people contact through shared festivals, tourism initiatives, and institutional partnerships. He advocated for an expansion of cultural diplomacy to complement the existing strong economic ties, emphasizing the importance of such initiatives for younger generations.
Federal Minister Aurangzeb Khan Khichi welcomed these proposals, recalling Indonesia’s steadfast support for Pakistan during times of need and describing Indonesia as a “brotherly Muslim nation.” He emphasized the potential for enhanced cooperation through visits to heritage-rich sites such as Taxila, Takht Bahi, and Shah Allah Ditta, all of which share historical threads with Indonesian Buddhist heritage.
To further these efforts, the Minister announced that Pakistan is establishing a Buddha Heritage Centre in Islamabad, which will highlight the country’s ancient Buddhist history and attract international scholars and pilgrims. He indicated that steps are being taken to ease visa processes for such visitors, signaling a wider openness to cultural tourism.
Minister Khichi also noted Pakistan’s commitment to cultural diplomacy, citing existing memoranda of understanding (MoUs) with nearly 90 countries and expressing a readiness to formalize new agreements with Indonesia. Both parties agreed to begin drafting MoUs focusing on cultural exchange, shared heritage preservation, and increased institutional collaboration.
Highlighting opportunities for cultural showcase, Minister Khichi invited the Indonesian Embassy to feature its traditional music, dance, and crafts at the upcoming Lok Virsa Folk Festival. He also offered the facilities of the Pakistan National Council of the Arts (PNCA) for Indonesian artists and performers.
Responding to Indonesia’s requests, the Minister pledged full support for tourism cooperation, including special arrangements for Indonesian visitors to Buddhist heritage sites in Pakistan. Both sides agreed to designate focal persons tasked with curating photographic and documentary archives that illustrate the deep-rooted cultural ties between the two nations.
Minister Khichi praised the Embassy’s initiative to establish an “Indonesian Corner” at the National Library of Pakistan, describing it as a symbol of deepening cultural friendship.
Concluding the meeting, Minister Khichi reaffirmed Pakistan’s ongoing commitment to preserving the cultural and religious heritage of all communities. He assured that Pakistan’s minorities enjoy equal rights and protection under national law, and highlighted the country’s progressive march toward stability and development.
The meeting concluded with an exchange of cultural books and traditional gifts, cementing the spirit of friendship. Mr. Usman Shah, CEO of Niftysphere Institute of Arts and Design, also attended and expressed his support for future creative collaborations between artists from both countries.
