2025 was an important milestone for the Institut Français d’Indonésie (IFI), coinciding with the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between France and Indonesia. This celebration was complemented by strengthened political engagement and the adoption of a new Joint Cultural Strategy that deepens cultural collaboration between the two countries.
The visit of President Emmanuel Macron to Indonesia in May 2025 and President Prabowo Subianto’s role as Guest of Honour at the Bastille Day celebration on 14 July 2025 in Paris, France, reflected the depth, dynamism, and strategic importance of the bilateral ties between the two nations.
In the cultural sphere, a major breakthrough was achieved during the state visit, with President Macron and President Prabowo adopting a joint declaration on cultural cooperation. Signed in front of the iconic Borobudur monument, the declaration lays out a Joint Cultural Strategy that will guide future collaboration between France and Indonesia.
“This strategy focuses on developing, training, and strengthening heritage management across museums, temples, and other cultural assets. It also aims to elevate the creative economy, with particular emphasis on video games, cinema, fashion, design, and gastronomy, one of the key pillars of bilateral cooperation.” explains Jules Irrmann, Director of IFI.
Irrmann adds that 2025 was also an exceptionally strong year for IFI’s public programming, particularly initiatives centered on education, creativity, and partnership. Key highlights included Reading Night (January), French Language Day (March), Pesta Musik (July) in Kota Tua Jakarta in collaboration with the Jakarta Government, Pintu (July) in partnership with the Jakarta Fashion and Food Festival by Summarecon Group, Gastronomy Week (October), and the French Cinema Festival (November) with Cinema21. These signature programs will continue to anchor IFI’s activities in 2026.
“One program which is very important for us is the Ayo Baca partnership with Kompas Gramedia. This program is totally new which also feasutres a mobile library ‘Bibliotheque Mobile (BiMo)’ and French-Indonesian literary meeting and book translation.” Jules Irrmann continued.
For IFI, the momentum generated in 2025 signals more than a celebration of the past. It marks the beginning of a more ambitious chapter in France–Indonesia relations. With a shared cultural strategy now in place and strong political goodwill on both sides, collaboration between the two countries is set to deepen across heritage, creativity, and knowledge exchange. Anchored by flagship programs and new initiatives like Ayo Baca, IFI enters 2026 with a renewed mandate: to inspire, connect, and build lasting cultural bridges that reflect the evolving partnership between France and Indonesia.
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