The Memorandum of Understanding on cooperation in the Field of the Creative Economy between the Government of Australia and the Government of the Republic of Indonesia 2018 (MoU) aims to promote cooperation and mutual understanding between the two countries in the field of the creative economy that may be of mutual interest and benefit. The MoU fosters the exchange of information, professional expertise and creative economy activities. Areas of cooperation may include broadcasting, visual arts (craft, fine arts and photography), creative industries (performing arts, screen production including animation and visual effects, games, music, literature and publishing, architecture, design and fashion) and cultural heritage.
Cooperation through the MoU will assist Indonesia to develop its creative sector, as an important part of its economy, through the establishment of a framework to facilitate the exchange of cultural and creative expertise and capacity-building.
Since the signing of the MOU, a number of activities of arts and cultural exchange have taken place between Australia and Indonesia. Some examples include
- working with relevant authorities on the protection of an Australian warship;
- return of cultural items to Indonesia under the Protection of Movable Cultural Heritage Act 1986;
- exchange, tours and workshops to build capacity of cultural professionals; and
- collaboration with Indonesian counterparts for the curation and exhibition of Indonesian art and cultural heritage items.