Jakarta (ANTARA) – General (ret.) Moeldoko, who served as Chief of the Presidential Staff Office from 2018 to 2024, stated that the upcoming Expo 2025 Osaka-Kansai is expected to strengthen cultural diplomacy between Indonesia and Japan.
Moeldoko participated in the “Friend-Ship: Japan-Indonesia Cultural Dialogue” at the Indonesia Pavilion with Iehiro Tokugawa, a descendant of Japan’s influential Tokugawa clan.
“Cultural diplomacy is the most dignified and sustainable form of conflict resolution,” Moeldoko said, according to a written statement received in Jakarta on Saturday.
The event, initiated by the Sakuranesia Foundation, carried the theme “Peace, Human Security & Dignity” and was attended by around 100 participants from diplomatic, business, academic, and arts communities.
Although no longer in formal government service, the former commander of the Indonesian National Armed Forces under President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono emphasized that his commitment to cultural engagement remains strong.
“My formal role is done. But as a soldier, I never die—old soldiers never die. Today, I’ve chosen the cultural path as my new battlefield,” he declared.
Moeldoko also underscored the importance of “the politics of compassion” as a universal value that must guide fair, everyday decisions.
“Peace is not the sole responsibility of powerful nations—it belongs to those who carry a heart and cultural consciousness,” he said.
Meanwhile, Deputy Mayor Munto Saito Presented A sale—a small traditional Japanese shrine—to the Indonesian delegation as a symbol of friendship. The shrine will be placed at the Shin’y Temple in Indonesia.
On the same occasion, Sakuranesia Foundation founder Tovic Rustam presented a hand-crafted sash designed exclusively for the event by renowned Indonesian designer Didit Prabowo.
The dialogue was enriched by cross-cultural performances, including Japan’s Kiyari Dance Group (featuring 31 dancers), the Sukiyaki Steel Orchestra, and Indonesia’s youth art collective Duta Melati.
Artists from both countries collaborated on a performance titled Chain—meaning “harmonious voices”—highlighting the arts as a universal language.
As part of the ongoing cultural exchange, Moeldoko and Tokugawa’s entourage continued the “Friend-Ship Experience” program in Nanto City, Toyama Prefecture.
Their itinerary included a traditional Kokiriko dance and sasara instrument performance at Ainokura village (a UNESCO World Heritage Site), a mochi-pounding session at Zentokuji Temple, a local specialty lunch, and visits to Inami’s woodcarving workshops and Zuisenji Temple.
All activities form part of the “Inochi, Chikyuu, Mirai” (“Life, Earth, and Future”) initiative by Sakuranesia, which promotes an inclusive, spiritual, and sustainable platform for cultural diplomacy.
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Translator: Andi, Azis Kurmala
Editor: M Razi Rahman
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