On a bright morning in Yogyakarta, a police escort accompanied the Turkish Ambassador, Prof. Talip Küçükkcan, to Gedhong Wilis, Kepatihan Complex, for a courtesy visit to His Majesty Sri Sultan Hamengkubuwono X, King and Governor of the Yogyakarta Special Region. The visit aimed to enhance bilateral cooperation between the Republic of Turkey and the Republic of Indonesia through the planned establishment of a Turkish Cultural Center in Yogyakarta — a city long celebrated as Indonesia’s cultural heart. The Sultan warmly welcomed the proposal, emphasizing that Yogyakarta already hosts cultural centers from several countries, including Japan, South Korea, France, India, and the United States. He expressed optimism that the Turkish Cultural Center would further enrich Yogyakarta’s international cultural landscape and strengthen the longstanding friendship between the two nations.
“In addition to cultural activities, it would be valuable to provide information about education in Turkey. We also hope to foster cooperation in education, as our two nations share deep historical ties,” said the Sultan.
“For example, historians from both countries could engage in joint research. This kind of collaboration is important for the future.”
Ambassador Prof. Küçükkcan reiterated Turkey’s commitment to deepening cooperation with Indonesia, particularly in the fields of culture and education.
“This proposal has been warmly and positively received by His Majesty the Governor,” he noted.
Sri Sultan Hamengkubuwono X expressed his strong support for realizing these initiatives at the earliest opportunity, underlining that Indonesia and Turkey currently enjoy excellent bilateral relations and share a mutual commitment to advancing them further.
Tags: SDG 4: Quality Education SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities; SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals
Dr. phil. Vissia Ita Yulianto and M. Syahan Irsyad from MMPT UGM were assigned to accompany Prof. Talip on the visit.
Reporter: Vissia Ita Yulianto