Jakarta (ANTARA) – The governments of Indonesia and New Zealand have set sights on strengthening cultural ties, exploring potential cooperation programs across fields ranging from film to cultural heritage and museums.“Cultural cooperation may cover various strategic sectors, such as the film industry, art performances, cultural research, book festivals, and initiatives to reinforce cultural heritage and museums,” Indonesia’s Culture Minister Fadli Zon said.He proposed translating the opportunities into a memorandum of understanding while hosting New Zealand Ambassador to Indonesia Phillip Taula at the Ministry of Culture headquarters in Jakarta on Friday (March 3), according to a statement received on Saturday.Zon noted that the Indonesian government is open to developing an artist residency program to facilitate exchanges of ideas and cultural acculturation between the two countries.The minister also pointed to various opportunities for Indonesia and New Zealand to conominate cultural heritage items for international recognition, demonstrating a shared commitment to preservation.He further highlighted Indonesia’s intensified cultural diplomacy on the global stage, citing the country’s success in organizing the IndonesiaPacific Cultural Synergy (IPACS) and the Culture, Heritage, Arts, Narrative, Diplomacy, and Innovation (CHANDI) Conference in 2025.Ambassador Taula welcomed the proposals, assuring that New Zealand shares Indonesia’s eagerness to elevate bilateral cooperation through cultural programs.He said his government is open to engaging with Indonesia in further talks to explore potential collaboration, driven by similarities between the two nations that encompass cultural practices, traditions, cuisine, arts, and expressions.The bilateral meeting concluded with Indonesia and New Zealand declaring readiness to tap into cultural cooperation potential in hopes of strengthening their relations in the future.Also present during the discussion were Indonesia’s Director General of Cultural Diplomacy, Promotion, and Cooperation Endah Retnoastuti and Minister Zon’s expert staff member for cultural law and policies, Masythoh Alkatiri.