A Hub of Cultural Exchange
At the heart of India's cultural outreach in Indonesia is the Jawaharlal Nehru Indian Cultural Centre (JNICC) in Jakarta. Established in 1989 and sponsored by the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR), it stands as the largest Indian cultural centre
in Southeast Asia. The centre serves as a vibrant hub, actively fostering a 'cultural confluence' between the two nations. It regularly organises classes and workshops in yoga, classical Indian dance, and music, offering Indonesians a chance to directly experience India's ancient traditions and performing arts. These programmes are not just educational; they are designed to highlight the deep historical bonds and shared cultural roots that have connected India and Indonesia for centuries.
Digital Diplomacy for a New Era
Recognising the need to connect with younger audiences, the Embassy has embraced digital platforms with creativity. It maintains an active presence across social media, including Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), Instagram, YouTube, and TikTok, to share information and engage with the public. In a particularly innovative move in October 2026, the Embassy launched 'Dewi', an AI-powered virtual ambassador. Dewi was introduced to share updates on everything from culture, tourism, and scholarships to business opportunities and consular services, all in a friendly, accessible format. Speaking in both English and Bahasa Indonesia, Dewi is designed to make information about the India-Indonesia partnership more accessible than ever, representing a modern approach to public diplomacy.
Celebrating Shared Heritage
The relationship between India and Indonesia is built on a foundation stretching back two millennia. Hindu and Buddhist traditions traveled from India to shape early Indonesian kingdoms, and the great Indian epics, the Ramayana and Mahabharata, remain deeply embedded in Indonesian culture, particularly in folk art and theatre. The Embassy's cultural activities often celebrate this shared past. Events like film festivals, 'Slice of India' shows at universities, and joint performances such as a Ramayana ballet at the historic Prambanan Temple complex serve to reinforce these ancient connections. This shared heritage provides a unique and powerful context for the Embassy's outreach, creating a sense of familiarity and mutual respect.
More Than Just Culture
While the focus is on culture, these initiatives are a key component of India's broader foreign policy. This cultural diplomacy is an integral part of India's 'Act East' policy, which aims to strengthen relationships with countries in Southeast Asia. By fostering people-to-people connections and a deeper mutual understanding, India is building a reservoir of goodwill that supports its strategic and economic objectives. In 2018, the two nations elevated their ties to a 'Comprehensive Strategic Partnership'. Cultural affinity helps pave the way for smoother cooperation in areas like trade, security, and maritime cooperation. The frequent celebration of Indian festivals, alumni events for scholarship programmes like ITEC, and promotion of Ayurveda are all part of a holistic strategy to deepen the bilateral relationship in every aspect.
