Whispers of French culture dance in the Jakarta air right here at the Institut Français d’Indonésie. This is more than just a building. It is a bridge. A connection between Indonesia and France.
The Institut Français d’Indonésie, or IFI, stands as a beacon of cultural exchange. It is a place where languages meet. Ideas mingle. Friendships blossom.
Founded in the 1970s as the Centre Culturel Français, it took on the name Institut Français in 2012. The IFI is one of the largest French cultural centers globally. It welcomes over 5,000 students each year. In 2015, the Jakarta headquarters relocated to Thamrin. The new venue spans 400 square meters. It includes a library, restaurant, and auditorium. This auditorium is equipped for DCP film screenings.
Imagine this space filled with film enthusiasts enjoying classic French cinema. Picture students engrossed in learning the nuances of the French language. Think of artists collaborating across cultures. This is the IFI in action.
The Institut Français d’Indonésie plays a crucial role in promoting French language and culture. It strengthens the bond between Indonesia and France. The IFI organizes many events. Film screenings called Ciné-Macet are a regular feature. Concerts called Supersonik fill the air with music. Seminars spark intellectual discussions. Dance performances captivate audiences.
The IFI also hosts numerous festivals. These include Europe on Screen, 100% Manusia Film Festival, and Madani Film Festival. The Institut Français d’Indonésie participates in international events as well. Good France and Ma Thèse en 180 secondes are among them.
From 1996 to 2015, the IFI organized the French Film Festival. Known as Festival Sinema Perancis, it was one of Indonesia’s oldest foreign film festivals. From 2006 to 2016, the Printemps Français showcased French contemporary creation.
The Institut Français d’Indonésie has locations in four Indonesian cities: Jakarta, Bandung, Yogyakarta, and Surabaya. It also has a presence in East Timor with an antenna in Dili. Furthermore, the IFI collaborates with Alliances Françaises in Denpasar and Medan.
In 2020, Indonesia and France celebrated 70 years of diplomatic relations. Cultural, scientific, and technical cooperation has fostered friendship between the two countries. This collaboration was strengthened in 1969. A cultural and technical cooperation agreement was signed. The French Embassy’s Cooperation Service and the French Cultural Centers worked towards this goal. In 2011, these institutions merged. They formed the Institut Français d’Indonésie.
So, as we stand before the Institut Français d’Indonésie, remember its mission. It is dedicated to strengthening ties between Indonesia and France. It achieves this through language, culture, and education. The IFI is more than a building. It is a vibrant hub of intercultural exchange.