Bangladesh and Indonesia have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening longstanding cultural ties, with both sides emphasizing the early conclusion of a new Cultural Exchange Programme (CEP) to expand bilateral cooperation in heritage, arts, education and cultural diplomacy.
The issue was discussed during a courtesy meeting between Bangladesh’s Minister for Cultural Affairs Nitai Roy Chowdhury, MP, and Indonesian Ambassador H.E. Ms. Listyowati at the Secretariat in Dhaka on Wednesday.
State Minister for Cultural Affairs Ali Newaz Mahmud Khayem, MP, Cultural Affairs Secretary Ms. Kaniz Mowla, and Joint Secretary Ms. Ilya Sumona were also present at the meeting.
Welcoming the ambassador, Minister Nitai Roy Chowdhury described Bangladesh and Indonesia as close and friendly nations linked by shared history, cultural heritage and membership in the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC). He noted that the two countries have maintained deep historical connections for centuries, recalling the journey of renowned Buddhist scholar Atish Dipankar Srijnana from Vikrampur to Suvarnadvipa (present-day Sumatra) in the 12th century as a symbol of their enduring cultural bond.
The minister underscored the importance of finalizing a new 2025–2029 Cultural Exchange Programme, which has already been drafted by Bangladesh’s Ministry of Cultural Affairs and forwarded to the Indonesian government through diplomatic channels for consideration.
Although the previous Cultural Exchange Programme (2004–2007), signed under the 1979 Agreement on Educational and Cultural Cooperation, remains valid under its existing provisions, he stressed the need for an updated framework that reflects current priorities and emerging areas of collaboration.
Expressing optimism that the new agreement could be signed before the end of 2026, the minister proposed the formation of a joint technical mechanism to address any outstanding issues and expedite the negotiation process.
To broaden bilateral cultural engagement, the minister put forward a series of initiatives under the proposed CEP. These include reciprocal exchanges of cultural and performing arts troupes, collaboration between artisans and experts to preserve UNESCO-recognized Batik and Jamdani traditions, and joint efforts in archaeology and heritage conservation by drawing on Indonesia’s experience in preserving the Borobudur Temple to support conservation work at Bangladesh’s archaeological sites, including Paharpur, Mahasthangarh, and the Historic Mosque City of Bagerhat.
He also proposed direct institutional cooperation between the national museums of the two countries, including the signing of memoranda of understanding and organizing joint exhibitions, greater Indonesian participation in Bangladesh’s national folk and film festivals, and expanded scholarship opportunities for Bangladeshi students in Indonesian arts, dance and language studies.
Ambassador Listyowati welcomed the proposals, describing them as significant steps toward deepening cultural cooperation, and expressed optimism about making tangible progress toward concluding the new Cultural Exchange Programme.
At the conclusion of the meeting, the Culture Minister invited the Indonesian ambassador to attend Bangladesh’s upcoming national cultural events and voiced hope of visiting Jakarta to sign the new agreement, marking a new chapter in cultural relations between the two friendly nations.