IPACS 2025, NTT Cultural Learning Pacific Delegation Through Museums And Ties

Minister of Culture Fadli Zon saw the collection of museums in the NTT area, in Kupang which was also covered by IPACS 2025 participants. (IST)

The delegations of 13 Pacific countries participating in the Indonesia 'Pacific Cultural Synergy (IPACS) 2025 are invited to get to know more closely the cultural wealth of East Nusa Tenggara (NTT) through the Cultural Educational Trip program at the NTT Regional Museum, Thursday (13/11). This activity is part of Indonesian cultural diplomacy to strengthen cross-cultural understanding and regional cooperation.

This program presents a guided tour featuring collections of ethnographics, historical artifacts, to the fine arts and maritime culture of the people of NTT. One of the main attractions is the Homo floresiensis skull and traditional boat installations that describe the NTT community's relationship with the sea.

Minister of Culture of the Republic of Indonesia Fadli Zon said this activity provides space for NTT to show its wealth and cultural diversity. The weaving workshop at the NTT Museum displays a variety of typical motifs for this area. With more than 800 motifs, we hope that woven fabrics will continue to be preserved, developed, and utilized in accordance with the mandate of the Cultural Advancement Act," said Fadli.

He also introduced local foods such as bose corn and se'i cows served to delegates. According to him, the two traditional foods reflect the security and independence of regional food that can support the national food diversification program. Jagung bose and se'i cattle are objects of cultural promotion that deserve to be used as national food sources," he said.

Fadli also appreciated the arrangement of the storyline of the NTT Regional Museum which was considered good. He hopes that the museum will become a cultural cycle or living bag. We can refresh, both narrative and layout, so that the museum will be more attractive," he added.

This activity also presents a traditional gastronomi and weaving workshop hosted by the Chairperson of the Indonesian Museum Association, Putu Supadma Rudana, and lecturer at Nusa Cendana University, Christiana Kayat. The delegates studied firsthand the philosophy of the NTT weaving wastra which became a symbol of identity, spirituality, and respect for their ancestors.

Delegation from the Republic of Fiji, Ema Ganivata, admitted that she was impressed. This is a valuable experience. I tasted se'i, it tasted very delicious. I learned a lot about Indonesian culture and culinary," he said.

Also present at the event were Director General of Diplomacy, Promotion, and Culture Cooperation Endah TD Retnoastuti; Expert Staff of Minister Anindita Kusuma Listya and Ismunandar; Director of Cultural Promotion Undri; Director of Cultural Cooperation Mardisontori; and Secretary of Kupang City Ignasius Lega.

Through the Cultural Educational Trip, the Ministry of Culture emphasized the importance of cross-regional cultural collaboration which not only brings together officials, but also builds direct interactions between the community and participants from Pacific countries.