Through JIWA Show, Indonesian Cultural Diplomacy Amazed At Osaka Expo 2025

JIWA Performance (Journey Indonesia's Wisdom and Arts) (ANTARA)

JAKARTA - The success of the "JIWA" performance, initiated by the Ministry of Communication and Digital Affairs, at the Indonesian Pavilion at the Osaka Expo 2025 exhibition which was held in Osaka, Japan, Wednesday (13/8), shows the stunning diplomacy of the culture of the Republic of Indonesia.

"The success of 'JIWA' and the Indonesian Pavilion at Osaka Expo 2025 proves that Indonesia's digital culture diplomacy is able to amaze the world, as well as the right momentum to celebrate 80 years of Indonesian independence on the international stage," said Minister of Communication and Digital Affairs (Menkomdigi) Meutya Hafid, quoted from ANTARA in Jakarta, Saturday.

During "JIWA (Journey Indonesia's Wisdom & Arts)", which raised the collaboration of local wisdom from the Head of the Natural Title and digital innovation, was displayed, visits to the Indonesian Pavilion set a daily record of 30,580 visitors and have not been broken to this day.

Based on data obtained from the management of the Indonesian Pavilion Friday (22/8), the number of visits on the H day of the "JIWA" show has pushed the total visits to 1,906,296 visitors since the Indonesian Pavilion opened in April 2025, or reached 68 percent of the 2.8 million visitors.

This figure also broke the previous record of visitors to the Indonesian Pavilion on August 12, 2025, totaling 29,848 visitors. Meanwhile, on August 11, 2025, there were 26,504 visitors.

Minister of Trade Meutya Hafid explained that the "JIWA" performance took inspiration for values and culture from the traditional community in Sukabumi, West Java, known as the Kasepuhan Degree Alam. The community is known to be loyal to the tradition of natural farming, leuit (rice barn), and traditional rituals.

Thanks to the Internet program Entering Villages from the Ministry of Communication and Digo in 2009, the community is connected to the outside world, however, they still maintain local values and customs.

"The selection of the Natural Title is because the area is a rice producer, supporting the food security program, which is President Prabowo Subianto's Astacita program," said the Minister of Communication and Trade.

The "JIWA" show features the collaboration of Kafin Sulthan, DJ Hendra, and Batavia Dancers and revives the life fragments of indigenous peoples with choreography that combines traditional and modern movements. Various regional music are rearranged and digital visuals are also presented, inviting the audience as if they were in the land of cultural birth to an innovation horizon.

According to the Minister of Trade, technology does not have to be an opponent of culture and if it is managed wisely, then it can become a friend who maintains and raises the values of life.

"Tourism is our identity, technology is our vehicle, and the world stage is our space to speak up," said Meutya.

Overall, the Indonesian Pavilion has the theme "Thriving in Harmony: Nature, Culture, Future" inspired by Tri Hita Karana, a noble value that emphasizes harmony between humans, nature, and the Creator.

The enthusiasm of visitors at the Indonesian Pavilion at Osaka Expo 2025 which is extraordinary is proof that the world wants to get to know Indonesia more closely, including wanting to know culture to explore the potential for cooperation in the future.