The three dignitaries are Fijian Minister of Culture, Heritage, and Arts Ifereimi Vasu; Solomon Islands’ Minister of Culture and Tourism Choylin Yom Douglas; and Papua New Guinea’s Minister of Tourism, Arts, and Culture Belden Norman Namah.
NTT Governor Melki Laka Lena, accompanied by local officials, personally welcomed the ministers upon their arrival at El Tari Airport in Kupang City. The governor had also received a minister from New Caledonia the previous day.
At a press conference in Jakarta on November 6, Minister Zon explained that the 2025 IPACS would take place on November 11–13 under the theme “Celebrating Shared Cultures and Community Wisdom.”
He described the international event as a strategic platform to showcase Indonesia’s rich cultural heritage to the Asia-Pacific region, emphasizing the country’s integral position within the Pacific community.
“Indonesia is not only part of Asia but also the Pacific, which is why we engage with the Asia-Pacific,” Zon stated, noting that IPACS serves as a vehicle for Indonesia’s soft power and cultural diplomacy with Pacific nations.
He further said the forum embodies Indonesia’s commitment to strengthening cultural ties with Pacific countries to preserve identity, foster a sustainable creative economy, and build solidarity toward a shared future.
IPACS 2025 is expected to yield tangible outcomes, including inter-ministerial policy recommendations, a permanent cultural residency network, innovative cultural products with economic value for local communities, and sustainable cultural policy strategies
Attending ministers are also set to adopt a joint statement titled “A Shared Vision for Sustainable and Resilient Pacific,” affirming their commitment to addressing global issues such as climate change and digital disruption.
Indonesia has invited 17 nations to the forum: Micronesia, Fiji, Kiribati, Nauru, New Caledonia, Palau, Papua New Guinea, Marshall Islands, Solomon Islands, Tonga, Tuvalu, Samoa, Vanuatu, Cook Islands, Niue, French Polynesia, and Timor-Leste.
In addition to state officials, the event will also gather artists, academics, and community representatives.
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Translator: Kornelis K, Tegar Nurfitra
Editor: Azis Kurmala
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