IPACS 2025 Officially Opened In Kupang, Indonesia Strengthens Cultural Diplomacy In The Pacific Region

Minister of Culture of the Republic of Indonesia Fadli Zon when giving a speech at the IPACS event in Kupang, Tuesday (11/11/2025). (ANTARA)

The 2025 Indonesia Pacific Cultural Synergy (IPACS) series officially started in Kupang, East Nusa Tenggara (NTT), Tuesday, November 11. The NTT Provincial Government held a welcoming ceremony for delegates from Pacific countries at the NTT Governor's Office House, marking the beginning of cross-border cultural collaboration in the Indo-Pacific region.

NTT Governor Emanuel Melkiades Laka Lena welcomed the entire delegation and appreciated the Ministry of Culture for its trust in making NTT host IPACS 2025. He emphasized NTT's strategic position as a node for cultural and historical cooperation in the Pacific region.

NTT and the Pacific are not only connected by geography, but by the same soul and cultural roots. Today we are reimagining that bond for a shared future in our beloved Pacific," said Governor Emanuel.

Previously, the Minister of Culture of the Republic of Indonesia Fadli Zon opened an exhibition entitled 'Indonesian Culture in the Eastern Region' at the Harper Hotel Kupang. Fadli emphasized IPACS as a stage for awards and cultural collaboration between Pacific countries.

"The 2025 IPACS is a form of Indonesia's commitment to making culture a diplomatic force that connects people in the region," said Fadli Zon.

The reception of the delegation began with the Telsain Dance from Hoineno Village, South Central Timor. The guests of honor then received NTT's distinctive woven fabric as a symbol of the hospitality and brotherhood of the local community.

The event was attended by a number of high-ranking ministers and officials of Pacific countries, including the Minister of iTaukei Fiji Ifereimi Vasu, New Caledonia Culture Minister Micka Marijul Forrest, Papua New Guinea Tourism Minister Belden Norman Namah, as well as representatives from Solomon Islands, Kiribati, Marshall, Nauru, Palau, Timor-Leste, Tonga, and Vanuatu.

From Indonesia, he was present to accompany Minister Fadli Zon, including the Secretary General of the Ministry of Culture Bambang Wibawarta, Inspector General Fryda Lucyana, Director General of Restu Gunawan, Endah TD Retnoastuti, and Ahmad Mahendra.

This dinner season opens the IPACS 2025 series which will last until November 13 in Kupang. Through this forum, Indonesia strengthens cultural diplomacy with Pacific countries in order to build regional synergy and sustainability.