A string of events emerging from the bilateral relationship between Indonesia and France is set to usher in a new chapter of cooperation in the creative economy.

President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo is set to meet his French counterpart François Hollande on Wednesday for a series of talks on collaboration between creative talents in film, fashion and digital entrepreneurship from the two countries.

The meeting is scheduled to coincide with the worldwide celebration of the inclusion of French cuisine in UNESCO’s World Heritage list in 2010, which is observed annually on March 21.

In Indonesia, celebrations took place in Jakarta as well as in Bandung, West Java, in Surabaya, East Java, in Yogyakarta and in Bali. A total of 37 restaurants of various concepts — bistro, contemporary and fine dining — are taking part in the promotion of French cuisine until the end of the month.

“Talented chefs of different nationalities will serve dishes that represent the uniqueness and the wide-ranging flavors of France,” said French Ambassador to Indonesia and Timor Leste Jean-Charles Berthonnet at the gala dinner on Sunday.

“Good France will become a momentous event for all of us to appreciate the authentic taste of France, our intangible cultural heritage and identity as well as the values embraced in it, such as the passion of sharing, conviviality and the joy to get together while devouring healthy food.”

Hosted by the French Embassy, cultural center Institut Français Indonesia (IFI) and the French Chamber of Commerce in Indonesia (IFCCI), the gala dinner at Raffles Hotel was also attended by the country’s legendary artist and fashion icon Catherine Deneuve, Indonesian artist Christine Hakim and French-Indonesian Alumni Association (IAPI) chairwoman Poppy Dharsono.

The four-course meal was prepared by visiting chef Jean-François Piège, who brought all the ingredients from his home country to guarantee the authenticity of the dishes.

“I believe that Indonesia and France have similarities in their taste buds. I hope the food will inspire you to visit France,” said chef Piège.

Indonesian designer Sebastian Gunawan, a member of the Asian Couture Federation, displayed his prime collection at the dinner event, along with French’s label On Aura Tout Vu by Livia Stoianova. They also presented their collaborative work with COUTURiSSIMO at the end of the show.

For the first time the French Embassy honored five Indonesian alumni for their career achievements and their contributions to the bilateral relationship between the two countries.

They are Bandung Institute of Technology (ITB) rector Kadarsah Suryadi, Laskar Pelangi (Rainbow Troops) author Andrea Hirata, TV personality Ajeng Kamaratih, former deputy minister of tourism and the creative economy Sapta Nirwandar and Jurnal Perempuan co-founder Gadis Arivia.

“This awarding night is held to gather the main actors in the Indonesian-French bilateral relationship and at the same time build the relationship with the alumni,” said Berthonnet.

He added that more than 600 Indonesians had registered atindonesia.francealumni.fr, a platform for interaction and the exchange of information, including on career opportunities at French companies.

On Wednesday, IFI and the French Embassy, together with the Indonesian Creative Economy Agency (Bekraf), are set to open a fashion show with a collection by Sebastian Gunawan and Livia Stoianova — offering a peek into collaboration between the two designers for the upcoming fashion event in France next fall.

A session on film production and distribution is set to feature Bekraf chairman Triawan Munaf, Unifrance director Isabelle Giordano, film producer Isabelle Glachant and Indonesian director Mouly Surya, whose latest film Marlina: The Murderer in Four Acts was selected by L’Atelier Cinéfoundation at the Cannes Film Festival last year to receive a production subsidy from the French government through the country’s Film and Animation Center (CNC) and Institut Français (IF).

A session on the digital ecosystem will feature as key speakers Communications and Information Minister Rudiantara as well as French Minister of State in charge of Industry and innovation Christophe Sirugue. The discussion will also involve Indonesian startup incubator Kreavi and its French counterpart Gaité Lyrique.

The bilateral meeting is set to close with the signing of partnerships between Gaité Lyrique and Kreavi, between CNC and Bekraf as well as the inking of collaboration between the Indonesian Tourism Development Corporation (ITDC) and the Cabourg Romantic Film Festival.

The film festival, dedicated to films in the romantic genre, was founded in 1983 by journalist Gonzague Saint Bris.

The festival organizer and ITDC will establish Lovewalk — a bridge to contain messages on love and peace at Nusa Dua, Bali, to emulate the existing one in Cabourg. Bali’s Lovewalk is expected to be ready to welcome the Asia Pacific Film Festival in November, for the first time ever.

— Photos by JP/Donny Fernando

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French treat

CGV Cinemas takes part in promoting French comedy Raid Dingue, directed and starred by Dany Boon.

The free premiere will be held on Wednesday at 6 p.m. at CGV Grand Indonesia, Central Jakarta. The public and media representatives are invited to confirm their attendance via email to diaksa@cgv.id.