Do you think that cultures help to shape up economies of the countries? How do you
think the youth of today to be more connected with the cultural knowledge in the
times of digital noise and stressful competition times?
No one can deny the role of culture in shaping up the relations between the two countries.
When the admiration for the basic values and culture grows, it definitely strengthens the
relations and opens up more avenues, connections and collaborations.
Indian films are immensely popular there. Indonesians are huge fans of Indian stars like
Shahrukh Khan, Sridevi, Hema Malini etc. Then film songs are so popular. Both the
countries can promote music talents and develop it more. The textile - Batik is our major
craft. It’s a unique dyeing art. There is a story behind it, when Noble Laureate
Sir Rabindranath Tagore visited Bali in around 1920; he was presented a Batik scarf by the
then king to honour him. He brought and introduced Batik to Shantiniketan, Bengal, India
and Batik become part of Indian textile, a fav with fashion designers, and people in India.
Bilateral tourism? What can we do more to improve tourism prospects to the
beautiful country Indonesia?
We are glad that a huge number of Indians prefer to spend their holidays in Indonesia and
places like Bali, Ubad, jakarta, Medan are favourite and much sought-after destinations for
weddings, celebrations and honeymooners, families also love to spend their vacations there.
The tourism industry is consistently striving to give best hospitality experiences to the
tourists. . Now with the launch of direct flight from India to Indonesia proposal will make
things even better.
Yes, India should be promoted more as a tourist destination in Indonesia. Well! Taj Mahal
is very famous.
What factors could bring in the major influence on the development of trade and
economic relations between our countries?
Oil and Non-Oil export, chocolate, coffee, tea, nutmeg, pearls, jewellery, Rattn furniture are
some of the areas.
12 SOCULTURES JAN-FEB2019