IPACS 2025 Officially Closed, Indonesia Affirms Cultural Diplomacy In The Pacific Region

The Minister of Culture of the Republic of Indonesia Fadli Zon expressed his appreciation to all parties who have participated in the 2025 IPACS. (IST)

The 2025 Indonesian Forum Pacific Cultural Synergy (IPACS) was officially closed at the Harper Kupang Hotel, East Nusa Tenggara, Thursday (11/11/2025). The event, which was held by the Ministry of Culture of the Republic of Indonesia, marked a new chapter of Indonesian cultural diplomacy in the Pacific region with the theme "Celebrating Shared Cultures and Community Wisdom."

The Minister of Culture of the Republic of Indonesia Fadli Zon expressed his appreciation to ministers, cultural figures, academics, and artists from all over the Pacific countries who actively participated in the 2025 IPACS.

"The presence of participants makes IPACS not just an idea forum, but a celebration of the spirit of culture together", proof of the eternal friendship between Indonesia and the Pacific, said Fadli.

Fadli emphasized that Indonesia has a strong historical and cultural bond with the Pacific extended family. "Under the leadership of President Prabowo Subianto, Indonesia is committed to making culture a pillar of diplomacy, resilience and development," he said.

The three-day forum resulted in the 2025 IPACS Joint Declaration entitled A Shared Cultural Vision for A Sustainable and Resilient Pacific. This document confirms three pillars of cooperation: social-culture, cultural economy, and cultural and environmental sustainability.

The declaration emphasizes the role of women and youth as cultural innovators, the collaboration of the creative economy sector, to the use of local wisdom in climate change mitigation.

The minister of the Republic of Fiji, Iferemi Vasu, expressed his support for the declaration. "Fiji is happy to welcome cultural cooperation as the core of sustainable development in the Pacific region," he said.

Meanwhile, the Minister of Tourism, Art and Culture of Papua New Guinea, Belden Norman Namah, said that Indonesia and the Pacific have great potential to become global cultural powers. The Minister of Culture and Tourism of the Solomon Islands, Choylin Yim Douglas, praised Indonesia's role as the host. IPACS 2025 is an important festival for cultural diplomacy," he said.

In addition to the ministerial level dialogue, IPACS 2025 also features a Cultural Residence Program involving 62 participants from 10 Pacific countries and seven provinces in Indonesia. They collaborate in bamboo, music, and traditional dance crafts with the theme 'Symphony of Heritage: Crafts and Performing Arts Across the Pacific.'

The closure was attended by representatives from 12 Pacific countries, ambassadors, NTT Governor Emanuel Melkiades Laka Lena, and Kupang Mayor Christian Widodo. The event closed with the submission of certificates and medals of appreciation to the four ministers of the Pacific nation's culture.

Cultivation is a bridge that unites nations. Let's continue the spirit of IPACS 2025 to strengthen cultural friendship and resilience," concluded Fadli Zon.