Makassar is the latest city in Indonesia to witness the expansion of “American Corner,” a cultural and educational resource center. This development signifies the United States’ commitment to fostering a stronger bilateral relationship and cultural connection with Indonesia, the third largest democracy in the world.
On February 6th, 2025, the ninth American Corner was launched at the Bikin-Bikin Creative Hub in Nipah Mall in Makassar, Indonesia. This marks a significant departure from previous American Corners, which were typically established within higher education institutions across Indonesia. By placing the newest center in a public mall, the initiative aims to reach a broader audience and foster greater engagement with the local community.
American Corner Makassar will be open daily from 10:00am to 10:00pm, providing a diverse range of free programs and events for the public. From cutting-edge technology workshops and film screenings to educational advising and interactive English language clubs, the offerings are designed to engage and inspire visitors of all backgrounds and interests.
Makassar, the provincial capital of South Sulawesi, is the largest city in eastern Indonesia and has been a major trading hub since the 16th century. Historically, it played a key role in regional and global trade networks, connecting Indonesia with traders from Europe, China, India, and the Middle East. Today, the city remains an economic and cultural powerhouse, making it an ideal location for this innovative American Corner.
This new space promote meaningful dialogue, cultural exchange, and collaboration between Americans and Indonesians. Additionally, this American Corner aims to foster stronger bilateral relations between the two countries, as it was established in partnership between US Consulate in Surabaya and the Kalla Foundation, affiliated with Indonesia’s former Vice President Muhammad Jusuf Kalla.
According to US Consul General in Surabaya Christopher Green, the objective of American Corner is to serve as a hub for innovation and education. “Welcoming all members of the public and offering critical resources and educational and skills building classes, this space will support the human capital development essential to US-Indonesian mutual prosperity in South Sulawesi and beyond,” he added in a statement issued by the US Embassy and Consulates in Indonesia.
Echoing Consul General Green’s sentiment, Kalla stated that better relations between the two countries can be strengthened by understanding each other’s perspectives through the establishment of the American Corner. “I am sure that the American Corner will be a beacon that strengthens relations between Indonesia and the United States,” Kalla said at the launching ceremony.
Previously, American Corners Indonesia was a collaboration initiative between the US Embassy and leading universities across the republic. Among Indonesian universities that have American Corner are Universitas Andalas, Institut Teknologi Bandung, UIN Walisongo Semarang, Universitas Muhammadiyah Yogyakarta, Universitas Airlannga Surabaya, Universitas Muhammadiyah Malang, Universitas Tanjungpura and Universitas Pattimura. The American Spaces Indonesia network features three American Centers: MyAmerica Jakarta at the US Embassy, MyAmerica Surabaya at the US Consulate General, and @america at Pacific Place Mall, Jakarta.
American Corners are part of the American Spaces global network with nearly 700 centers worldwide, which shares the same core values of promoting American spirit abroad. American Space was first established in Buenos Aires, Argentina, in 1927 and currently has a presence in 138 countries. To date, there are a total of 400 American Corners in 113 countries, such as Pakistan, Ukraine, Kazakhstan, South Korea, and Kenya.
This accessible and strategic location of the American Corner at Nipah Mall is positioned to reach a broader audience while fostering robust cultural ties, as well as educational and innovative collaboration between the Republic of Indonesia and the United States.
Ashiqin Ariffin is a Spring 2025 Young Professional at the East-West Center in Washington. Ashiqin is currently a second-year Master of Journalism student at the University of British Columbia, Vancouver.