KUALA LUMPUR - Indonesia will partner with Malaysia to host an Islamic-Malay cultural festival aimed at showcasing the country’s diverse heritage and its identity as the world’s largest Muslim-majority nation.

Culture Minister Fadli Zon said he supported the use of public art to highlight Islamic-Malay traditions.

“I fully support exhibitions using public art, especially showcasing Islamic-Malay culture. Indonesia has a long tradition of blending Islam with local arts,” he said.

The festival, called Malaysia Islamic Art and Design, will feature public art installations focused on Islamic-Malay culture.

Fadli cited Museum Gedung Pusaka Keraton Kanoman in Cirebon as an example of how technology can be used to create modern cultural displays.

“Recently, we inaugurated the museum’s exhibition hall, transforming an 18th-century warehouse into an art space with installations and video mapping to convey museum narratives,” he said.

Fadli also discussed possible partnerships between the government, cultural institutions, and the private sector to strengthen Islamic-Malay arts.

“Promoting Islamic-Malay arts can create a sustainable ecosystem, enhancing livelihoods for artists and cultural practitioners,” he added.

The festival is scheduled for November 2026 and will take place across several public areas in Jakarta.

Organisers hope the event will educate the public and highlight the richness of Islamic-Malay heritage.

Director Paulina Gallardo said the festival reflects cooperation between artists, curators, and cultural communities.

“This festival is the first initiative celebrating the heritage of Malay countries, including Indonesia, Malaysia, Brunei, Singapore, Southern Thailand, and Southern Philippines,” Gallardo said.