The Indonesian foreign minister said IACS participants could witness how Indonesia applies the spirit of gotong royong (working together in mutual assistance) which is also the guide for the world's largest archipelagic country in dealing with other countries.

Jakarta (Indonesia Window) – The Indonesian Foreign Minister, Retno Marsudi, opened the 2023 Indonesian Art and Culture Scholarship (IACS) at the Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Jakarta on Monday (June 5).

In her remarks, Retno Marsudi invited BSBI participants to become agents of global cooperation and peace, the Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in a written statement on Monday.

Before 45 people from 34 countries (33 women and 12 men) who took part in this year's IACS, the foreign minister said that the world faces various challenges that must be faced together, and no country can overcome them alone.

"Indonesia is well aware of the importance of cooperation in overcoming global challenges. Gotong royong is not only local wisdom, but also the Indonesian way of life," she said.

Nevertheless, the mutual cooperation is not always easy for a country as diverse as Indonesia, she said, adding, however, this diversity can be a strength, because a country with a population of more than 170 million people prioritizes tolerance and unity, not indifference and hostility.

"Diversity was raised as the theme of the Indonesia-Qatar Year of Culture 2023. After this event, I will meet the Minister of State of Qatar to discuss how Indonesia and Qatar can encourage cultural and diversity cooperation," said Retno.

The Indonesian foreign minister said IACS participants could witness how Indonesia applies the spirit of gotong royong (working together in mutual assistance) which is also the guide for the world's largest archipelagic country in dealing with other countries.

According to Retno, Indonesia is consistent in bridging differences among countries and building consensus.

This role has allowed Indonesia's diplomacy to continue to grow and develop, from pioneering the 1955 Asian-African Conference to successfully becoming President of the G20 last year.

With those experiences, Indonesia will take the lead in ASEAN this year to make ASEAN matters and strengthen Southeast Asia as a center of growth.

The foreign minister expressed her hope that the experiences of IACS participants in Indonesia are expected to make positive contributions.

The first is to make them as supporters of global cooperation. Young people are full of creativity and potential to be part of the solution to global problems.

“Use this opportunity to expand the network. In your respective countries, you will be the bridge that connects Indonesia and your communities. The friendships we build today will open up opportunities for collaboration in the future," the foreign minister noted.

The second is to strengthen their roles as agents of peace. Soft power such as art and culture can create harmony in society.

“Use this opportunity to learn from each other, broaden perspectives, and embrace diversity. That way, you are expected to become important diplomatic assets to encourage mutual understanding among nations," she added.

IACS is one of the flagship programs of the Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs to promote the country’s art and culture to the international community. Since its first implementation in 2003, IACS has produced 1,024 alumni from 83 countries.

This year, IACS has the theme ‘Indonesia, Home of Diversity’. The participants will take part in Indonesian arts and culture training for two months in five art galleries, namely the Semarandana Art Studio (Bali), Langlang Buana Studio (East Java), Ayodya Pala Studio (Jakarta), Gubang Art Community (East Kalimantan), and Syofyani Music and Dance Studio (West Sumatra).

Editing by Indonesia Window