Indonesia and South Africa to strengthen cultural ties via Sheikh Yusuf legacy

Indonesia and South Africa have agreed to strengthen cultural cooperation through the preservation of the legacy of Sheikh Yusuf Al-Makassari. This agreement was reached during a meeting between Indonesian Minister of Culture Fadli Zon and South African Minister of Sports, Arts, and Culture Gayton McKenzie on the sidelines of the XI BRICS Culture Ministers’ Meeting in India.

To mark the 400th anniversary of Sheikh Yusuf's birth in 2026, the two nations plan to implement various collaborative programs, including joint commemorations, academic research, heritage preservation, museum collaborations, and educational exchanges. Indonesia is also preparing to establish the Sheikh Yusuf Indonesian Cultural House in Cape Town to serve as a center for cultural diplomacy, research, and arts.

Furthermore, the agreement aims to deepen ties with the Cape Malay community, which has historical roots in the Indonesian archipelago. Proposed initiatives include cultural exchanges, oral history documentation, the protection of intangible cultural heritage, and youth programs.