The much-anticipated Francophonie Week officially kicked off on Monday, March 17, 2025, at the IFI Thamrin Auditorium in Jakarta. The event commenced at 4:30 PM with an opening ceremony graced by two distinguished ambassadors: Fabien Penone, the French Ambassador to Indonesia, Timor-Leste, ASEAN, and Secretary-General of the Francophone Ambassadors Group, alongside Nicholas Panayiotou, the Ambassador of Cyprus.

The highlight of the evening was a captivating performance by Jakarta-based singer Vira Talisa, who mesmerized the audience with her unique blend of Indonesian, English, and French musical influences.

The opening speeches were delivered in French, accompanied by Indonesian translations displayed on the auditorium’s main screen, ensuring accessibility for all attendees.

The Growing Influence of the French Language
In his speech, Ambassador Fabien Penone underscored the significance of the French language in today’s world. With projections estimating that over 700 million people will speak French by 2050, the language continues to expand its influence globally. Currently ranked as the 5th most spoken language, the 4th most used on the internet, and the 3rd most prominent in global trade, French is a powerful tool for diplomacy, business, and cultural exchange.

Indonesia is no exception to this growth, with over 60,000 students actively learning French. The language is taught in 15 university programs and 500 high schools, including two international institutions in Jakarta and Bali.

The Role of Francophonie in Global Cooperation
Ambassador Penone also emphasized the importance of the Organisation Internationale de la Francophonie (OIF), which has united 93 countries and governments since its establishment in 1970. The OIF promotes cultural and linguistic diversity while upholding values of peace, democracy, and human rights.

Looking ahead, the 2026 Francophonie Summit in Cambodia presents an opportunity to further solidify the organization’s inclusive ambitions and commitments.

Cyprus’ Growing Role in the Francophone Community
Following Ambassador Penone’s speech, Ambassador Nicholas Panayiotou of Cyprus took the stage to elaborate on his country’s role within the OIF. He highlighted Cyprus’ recent elevation to full membership in October 2024, a milestone in the country’s engagement with the Francophone world since joining in 2006.

Panayiotou stressed the importance of cultural and linguistic exchange at both diplomatic and grassroots levels. He noted that Francophonie Week serves as a crucial platform for fostering international collaboration and broadening cultural understanding.

Before concluding, he shared his optimism about Cyprus’ long-term cooperation within the OIF, believing that collective efforts will strengthen international ties across multiple sectors.

A Night of Music and Cultural Exchange
As the speeches concluded, the evening transitioned into a celebration of music, featuring an acoustic performance by Vira Talisa. The Jakarta-born singer, who studied in Rennes, France, delivered a mix of her original songs and six classic French tunes, captivating the audience with her signature sound inspired by French musical traditions.

To close the evening on a high note, guests received exclusive souvenirs from L’Occitane en Provence and indulged in a selection of French delicacies, including sandwiches, croissants, and an assortment of delectable desserts.

Francophonie Week: A Nationwide Celebration
The opening ceremony marked just the beginning of a week-long celebration of Francophonie across 10 cities in Indonesia. With a diverse lineup of cultural events, discussions, and artistic showcases, the event promises to be an enriching experience for language enthusiasts, students, and anyone passionate about global cultural exchange.