Semarang, Central Java, September 15, 2026 – The Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education (Kemendikdasmen) is strengthening bilateral relations between Indonesia and France through language and literature diplomacy. This support was demonstrated by the Head of the Language Development and Fostering Agency, Hafidz Muksin, who represented the Minister of Primary and Secondary Education in welcoming French author Louis-Philippe Dalembert in Semarang on Friday (September 11), as part of the Rimbaud Residency Program.

The program, initiated by the French Embassy and the Institut français d'Indonésie (IFI) together with the Semarang City Government, is a meeting space for writers, the public, academics, and the literary community, while also opening up opportunities for the birth of works that record Indonesian experiences from the perspective of international writers.

The Head of the Language Agency stated that the Ministry of Education and Culture's involvement in the program is part of an effort to expand the role of language and literature as instruments of diplomacy. He believes that cultural interaction through literary works can introduce Indonesia more deeply and build relationships between the people of both countries.

"The Language Agency openly supports Louis-Philippe Dalembert in producing literary works during his stay in Semarang. Through the Central Java Provincial Language Center, we will help provide information and facilities related to Indonesian, regional languages, and literacy," said Hafidz.

Language and Literature as Bridges of Diplomacy

The Rimbaud Residency is a bilateral literary residency program named after the French poet Arthur Rimbaud. Semarang has historical ties to Rimbaud, as the poet arrived in Semarang in 1876 and then traveled to Salatiga.

Louis-Philippe Dalembert, a Haitian-born novelist and poet now living in Paris, is the first writer to participate in the program. For three months, from September to November 2026, he will undertake a creative process in Semarang, including working at Lawang Sewu and interacting with writers, students, researchers, readers, and the community through discussions and workshops.

This space holds strategic value because language and literature serve not only as means of communication and cultural expression but also as a medium for building international understanding. Literary works produced in French will also strengthen efforts to introduce Indonesia's rich traditions to the world stage. Support from the Language Agency will be provided through the Central Java Provincial Language Center, particularly in providing information and facilitation related to Indonesian and regional languages, which can enrich Dalembert's creative process during his stay in Semarang.

The Rimbaud Residency Program was previously launched at the residence of the French Ambassador to Indonesia in Jakarta on September 10, 2026. According to Ambassador Fabien Penone, the program is part of strengthening cultural cooperation between Indonesia and France in line with the Joint Declaration on Cultural Strategy ( Borobudur Declaration ), which was agreed upon during the visit of French President Emmanuel Macron to Indonesia in May 2025. In the future, the French Embassy and IFI also plan to develop similar residency programs in various regions of Indonesia, including residencies focused on writing and translation.

Through its support for the Rimbaud Residency, the Ministry of Elementary and Secondary Education places language and literature as a vital part of educational and cultural diplomacy. The presence of international writers in Indonesia is expected to go beyond the creation of works, but also to open up spaces for knowledge exchange, introduce the richness of Indonesian language and culture to the world, and strengthen the network of linguistic and literary cooperation between Indonesia and partner countries.*** (Author & Documentation: Language Agency Team/Editor: Destya, Stephanie)

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Source: Siaran Pers Kementerian Pendidikan Dasar dan Menengah Nomor: 807/sipers/A6/IX/2026

Writer: Destya

Editor: Denty Anugrahmawaty

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