Jakarta, Aug. 9 -- Indonesia and South Africa have agreed to deepen cultural cooperation by preserving the legacy of Sheikh Yusuf Al-Makassari and strengthening people-to-people ties, Indonesia's Culture Minister Fadli Zon said.

The agreement followed Zon's meeting with South Africa's Sports, Arts, and Culture Minister Gayton McKenzie on the sidelines of the 11th BRICS Culture Ministers' Meeting in Bhopal, India, on Saturday (August 8).

"Indonesia highly values its close friendship with South Africa. Both countries are committed to justice and diversity and believe culture can bridge our societies," Zon was quoted as saying in the Indonesian Culture Ministry's statement.

Zon said the ties between Indonesia and South Africa were built n...