Indonesian Museum Being Built in Vatican

Jakarta, Jan 22 (Antara) - A museum showcasing the pluralism and cultural diversity of Indonesia is being built in the Vatican as part of cultural diplomacy. It is a matter of honor for the country to display before the world its cultural identity in a such a way, Indonesian Ambassador to the Vatican, Antonius Agus Sriyono, said in a statement received by Antara here on Friday. "The Vatican is a small state, spread over just 34 hectares, but no one denies that the Vatican has a great influence on the countries around the world," the Ambassador said. He added that the construction of an Indonesian museum in the Vatican is a right step. It will help Indonesia pursue cultural diplomacy in the international arena. According to him, the construction of this museum is expected to be completed by early October 2016. The museum will display a collection of Indonesian icons, among others, a miniature replica of the Borobudur temple. The ambassador is also designing a religious tourism package to Larantuka, in Flores Island, East Nusa Tenggara province to be offered to the pilgrims visiting the Vatican. Around five million people visit the Vatican every year. "With an integrated effort, it is expected that some of those pilgrims will travel to Larantuka. It is certainly add to the local economy," he said.