Years of Culture spokesperson talks about Qatar-Indonesia 2023 programme

The celebration of the Qatar-Indonesia 2023 Year of Culture will kick off in both countries in March with a rich program of cultural and artistic events.In this context, the official spokesperson for the Years of Culture Initiative, Aljazi Al Khayarin, said in an exclusive statement to Qatar News Agency (QNA) that the full-year program for the Qatar-Indonesia 2023 Year of Culture would feature a host of performances, exhibitions, sporting and culinary events, photography projects, residency and volunteer programs, amongst others.Al Khayarin explained that the Qatar-Indonesia Year of Culture 2023 is an extension of the Years of Culture initiative launched by HE Qatar Museums Chairperson Sheikha Al Mayassa bint Hamad Al-Thani in 2012, which is an annual bilateral exchange that deepens understanding between Qatar, a partner country and its people through a year of cultural programs.She added that Qatar and Indonesia share a lot in terms of their religious heritage and are similar in their appreciation of history and their aspirations for the future.Al Khayarin revealed that during this year, special focus will be placed on projects that will enhance the creative industries in both countries, with a focus on sustainable and long-term partnerships, based on Qatar's gained experience in developing its creative economy.The official spokesperson noted that the first program would be an art show entitled my life organized by the Indonesian Embassy in Qatar at the Cultural Village Foundation Katara in March.In addition, Al Khayarin indicated that Qatari cyclists would take an exploratory tour, starting from the Indonesian capital all the way to the largest temple there.Additionally, a photography trip will bring together a Qatari photographer and their Indonesian counterpart to use their lenses and art to reflect the culture and heritage of both countries, with the Qatari photographer reflecting Indonesian culture, particularly Indonesian tribes. In turn, the Indonesian photographer will highlight Qatari culture and heritage, with both photographers' work exhibited in both countries.Al Khayarin continued by saying that the Years of Culture Initiative will be an occasion for Qataris to explore the secrets of Indonesian cuisine and vice versa, in addition to inviting traditional craftsmen to Qatar to inform the public about these ancient crafts.The Years of Culture Spokesperson pointed out that since the beginning of this year, the Indonesian side took the initiative and organized a number of events, including participating in the National Sports Day with a number of their popular sports and martial arts.Qatari and Indonesian riders organised the Qatar-Indonesia Horseback Archery Friendship competition at the Al Samriya Riding School in Al Sheehaniya, which lasted for three days, during which both sides held an exchange about each of their equestrian culture, given that both countries have their own archery on horseback tradition.Each team competed in highlighting its country's culture of archery, demonstrating traditional knights' outfits, which Al Khayarin considered as an indication of a successful start to a rich cultural year.Al Sulaiti House also hosted an exhibition of Minangkabau culture, where the public enjoyed the performance of traditional dances and a three-dimensional story about this culture, in addition to tasting Minangkabau delicacies famous for their rich spices.Indonesia is the first country in Southeast Asia to participate in the Years of Culture initiative, confirming the extent of the historical connection between both countries and their growing cooperation in many sectors