ASIATODAY.ID, SURAKARTA – Commemorating ASEM Day 2024, the Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs invites representatives of countries in Asia and Europe to attend the city of Surakarta, Central Java to talk about cultural diversity and learn batik as part of the series of commemorations on 6-7 March 2024.
This year ASEM Day carries the theme Cultural Diversity: A Shared Value and Celebrated Wealth among ASEM Countries. Apart from being one of the pillars of ASEM, the cultural theme was raised to re-emphasize the spirit of dialogue and cooperation as a unifier of Asian and European countries.
ASEM Day 2024 was attended by the diplomatic corps of ASEM countries in Jakarta and the academic community in Surakarta.
The 2024 ASEM Day series began with an official dinner attended by KGPAA Mangkoenagoro X Bhre Sudjiwo from Puro Mangkunegaran on March 6 2024.
In his speech he emphasized that values and richness in culture are important for creating cooperation in the context between countries.
The second day of activities was officially opened by the Executive Director of the Asia – Europe Foundation (ASEF), Ambassador Toru Morikawa, and the Director of KSIA Amerop, Nidya Kartikasari.
In his remarks, Ambassador Morikawa expressed his appreciation for the Indonesian government’s collaboration in bridging dialogue between Asia and Europe through culture.
The cultural exchange on ASEM Day this time serves as a stronger comprehensive collaboration, uniting the two regions as members of the global community.
Director of KSIA Amerop, stated that the Culture theme at ASEM Day 2024 reflects a commitment to recognizing the richness of cultural diversity as a basis for stronger and more comprehensive collaboration between Asia and Europe.
“For Indonesia, culture is part of the nation’s identity and an important part of partnerships between ASEM partner countries,” he said, quoted Friday, March 8 2024.
The cultural discussion in the talk show featured panelists from the Director of Personnel Development and Cultural Institutions of the Indonesian Ministry of Education and Culture; and ASEF Cultural Director, Valentina Riccardi, and a virtual presentation by the Director of the Multisectoral Regional Office of UNESCO Jakarta, Maki Katsuno Hayashikawa. The talk show was moderated by the Head of the UNS International Relations Study Program, Ign. Agung Satyawan.
Director of Personnel Development and Cultural Institutions, Ministry of Education and Culture of Indonesia, Restu Gunawan said that Indonesia is a superpower in terms of culture which has been recognized by UNESCO. Director Restu also mentioned that Indonesian spice commodities have a big impact on world cultural dynamics.
“We are all Cultural Ambassadors where the introduction and spread of Indonesian culture can be manifested in our daily lives, such as in the form of handicrafts and culinary delights,” he explained.
Meanwhile, ASEF’s Cultural Director explained that ASEF has a portfolio to develop culture as a bridge for collaboration between Asia and Europe through various arts and culture platforms, both directly with festivals and virtually with the Culture360.asef.org platform.
Meanwhile, Maki Katsuno-Hayashikawa, Multisector Director of the UNESCO Regional Office, through his virtual presentation, said that events like this are a way to bridge intercultural dialogue and peace.
“Cultural heritage requires cross-border cooperation to combat emerging challenges such as armed conflict and illegal trade,” he added. (AT Network)
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