Institut français d’Indonésie (IFI), the cultural and cooperation arm of the French Embassy in Indonesia, continues to reinforce the dynamic relationship between France and Indonesia through a wide range of cultural, educational, and scientific initiatives in 2026. This commitment was highlighted during a media luncheon hosted by IFI Director Jules Irrmann on Wednesday, 4 February 2026 at Café d’Aurélie, IFI Jakarta. The gathering served as an appreciation event for media partners who supported IFI activities throughout 2025, while also introducing key programs for the year ahead.
The event was attended by prominent figures from the French Embassy, including Vincent Degoul, Deputy Counsellor for Cooperation and Cultural Affairs, who engaged directly with journalists and responded to questions regarding bilateral cooperation programs. His presence underlined France’s commitment to maintaining strong dialogue with Indonesian media and stakeholders in cultural diplomacy.
According to the IFI Event Calendar 2026, IFI’s programs span across multiple sectors including culture, science, education, gastronomy, and creative industries. Highlights include Francophonie Week, Nuit des Idées, France Alumni Day, Fête de la Musique, and the Festival Sinema Prancis, which collectively attract thousands of participants annually across Indonesia. These initiatives are designed not only to promote French culture and language, but also to create inclusive platforms for dialogue and collaboration between Indonesian and French communities.
2026 IFI Event Calendar
In addition, IFI maintains regular public engagement activities such as French film screenings, language discussion clubs, gaming forums, and climate workshops. These recurring events ensure sustained public interaction and foster long-term cultural exchange between the two nations.
The year 2026 holds particular significance as it has been designated the France–Indonesia Innovation Year, marking a new phase of strategic cooperation between the two countries. As outlined in the France–Indonesia Innovation 2026 document, the initiative builds on 75 years of diplomatic relations and aligns with the bilateral vision “Menuju 2050,” focusing on innovation, research, and sustainable development.
France-Indonesia Innovation 2026
Throughout 2026, a wide array of programs will be implemented under this theme, including research collaborations, technology forums, creative industry partnerships, and academic exchanges. Key initiatives include agronomy research cooperation, marine science partnerships, artificial intelligence conferences, startup ecosystem forums, and joint cultural production such as the Indonesian French Film Lab. These initiatives aim to strengthen knowledge exchange, support young talents, and encourage innovation-driven economic growth.
Cultural and creative sectors also play a major role in this partnership. Programs such as ICC Immersion in creative industries, design collaborations between French and Indonesian designers, and literary exchanges like the Choix Goncourt Indonesia reflect a shared commitment to creativity and intellectual dialogue.
The IFI luncheon with media partners thus not only served as a networking platform, but also as a symbolic starting point for an ambitious year of collaboration. With strong support from media, academic institutions, and cultural actors, IFI hopes to deepen France–Indonesia relations in 2026 and beyond.
As Vincent Degoul emphasized during the discussion, sustained dialogue, innovation, and cultural exchange will remain the cornerstone of this bilateral partnership—ensuring that cooperation between France and Indonesia continues to grow stronger in the years to come.
