Deputy PM Ahmad Zahid Hamidi urges Indonesia to open its market wider to Malaysian books, films and music to balance cultural ties.
KUALA LUMPUR: Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi has called for Indonesia to provide more space for Malaysian creative works in its market.
He said this step is crucial to strengthen cultural and intellectual ties between the two “serumpun” or kindred nations.
Zahid noted the current exchange of creative works appears imbalanced despite the long-standing close relationship.
“We see Indonesian books entering Malaysia quite easily. Why can’t Malaysian books enter Indonesia?” he said.
He was speaking at the Premier Gala Dinner for the 50th Golden Jubilee of the Indonesian Higher Education Alumni Association (PAPTI).
Zahid also highlighted issues in the music and film industries.
He said Malaysian artists should be allowed to record in Malaysia and have their work distributed in Indonesia.
“Only then is it truly serumpun,” he added.
The Deputy Prime Minister pointed out the screening of Malaysian films in Indonesia remains very limited.
“It is very rare for our films to be shown in Indonesia, with the exception of the film *Mat Kilau* recently,” he said.
He hoped close ties would be strengthened through culture, language and shared thought, not just diplomacy.
Zahid said the historical “serumpun” bond is inseparable despite past colonialism and political differences.
He urged all parties to avoid issues that could jeopardise this special relationship.
Relevant organisations like PAPTI should act as informal bridges to close the gap between the peoples, he added.
The event was also attended by Higher Education Minister Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abdul Kadir and Youth and Sports Minister Dr Mohammed Taufiq Johari.
