So far, relations between the two countries had been good despite the occurrence of ups and downs due to several problems but they could be enhanced further through arts and culture, he said here on Saturday.
He made the statement at a joint press conference with his Malaysian counterpart Dr Datok Sri Rais Yatim at a meeting of Indonesian and Malaysian journalists and culturalists here from September 23 to 26.
Tifatul said the two countries were like husband and wife who were not always in agreement and sometimes quarreled with each other.
"This is normal because we are neighbors but a more important thing is finding agreement and things in common between the two countries through arts and culture," he said.
If the two countries` governments developed their relations through politics, their peoples could do the same through arts and culture, he said.
He said conflicts would only waste energy and both would be hurt.
According to Tifatul, the common identity the two countries could develop was in culture which could even be used to unite them.
Serious and optimum efforts must be made to continue to further improve the existing good relations, he said.
About the disputes or instances of discord that had happened between the two countries in the past, he said they had appeared to be serious because they had been blown up. If there was closer and better communication between the two countries, the roots of the problems would certainly be found.
Malaysian Minister of Information, Communication and Culture Rais Yatim was accompanied by his wife, some officials and 40 journalists during his visit to West Sumatra in the framework of building brotherly relations.
The Malaysian delegation was scheduled to visit several tourist spots while in the province.(*)
Editor: Aditia Maruli Radja
Copyright © ANTARA 2011
