Indonesia launches Cultural Center in Mexico City to boost ties

Mexico City (ANTARA) - The Indonesian Embassy in Mexico established the Indonesian Cultural Center in Mexico City to introduce Indonesian culture to Mexicans with a strong interest in Indonesian arts and culture.

“The establishment of the Indonesian Cultural Center is part of a program I developed, namely the People-Centered Relations program, which emphasizes human interaction,” said Toferry Primanda Soetikno, the Indonesian Ambassador to Mexico in Mexico City on Friday local time.

Soetikno explained that since taking office as ambassador, he has seen the development of relations between Indonesia and Mexico not only in the political and economic fields, but also in cultural exchange. Furthermore, he continued, Mexicans have a special interest in culture and cultural heritage.

"Mexico has many excellent museums, and its cultural heritage is well-maintained," Soetikno said.

He also said the embassy has a multi-purpose room called Cassa Cultural that can be used to house numerous art objects from various regions of Indonesia that are only displayed on special occasions.

"I think everything needs to be turned into a permanent exhibition, like a gallery or museum," he said.

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After the renovation, the Indonesian Embassy in Mexico officially opened the Indonesian Cultural Center on May 23, 2026, to coincide with the Indonesian Festival.

"Next, we will open the Indonesian Cultural Center to the general public, by appointment through the Indonesian Embassy," Soetikno said.

All groups participating in the Indonesian Cultural Center program will begin by listening to an explanation from a guide from the Indonesian Embassy staff.

"Visitors will first watch a presentation on Indonesian culture before being guided through the museum by embassy staff," he said.

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Since its inception, several groups have visited the Indonesian Cultural Center, including schoolchildren, university students, artists, and even members of the local parliament.

"The Indonesian Cultural Center has received attention from the Mexican parliament," Soetikno said.

In fact, he continued, the parliament stated that this was an innovative initiative by the embassy of a friendly country in Mexico City and hoped that other embassies would also develop it.

The Indonesian Cultural Center now boasts a collection of no fewer than 100 art and cultural objects from Sabang to Merauke. Going forward, the Indonesian Embassy plans to continue expanding the museum's collection and further organize it to serve as a leading platform for Indonesian cultural diplomacy in Mexico and across the Americas.

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Translator: Aditya Pradana Putra, Cindy Frishanti Octavia

Editor: M Razi Rahman

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