As we know, Indonesia and Mexico have long fostered diplomatic relations, but cultural diplomacy can be the recipe for long-lasting ties.
Lizett Aceves, the cultural attaché at the Mexican Embassy in Indonesia, told as quoted from the Jakarta Globe in an interview, not long ago, “Cultural diplomacy enables cultural exchange that leads the way to find similarities between countries to create long-lasting ties. When you find similarities, it is easier to get familiarized with the other country.”
She also said that Indonesia and Mexico are both cultural powers because of how rich and diverse our cultures are.
“We could benefit from it through cultural diplomacy,” she said.
During the interview, Lizett described Indonesians and Mexicans as foodies.
Both Indonesian and Mexican cuisines have strong tastes and spiciness that suit Indonesians’ palate and vise versa.
In this regard, food or gastro diplomacy becomes part of the embassy’s main agenda in Indonesia. Promoting authentic Mexican cuisine, however, has its own hurdles, Lizett said.
According to Lizett, cultural diplomacy provides various facets of a country that can break down national stereotypes. The diplomat finds combating the misconception of Mexico to be the greatest challenge in promoting her culture in another land.
