The Indonesia–Pacific Cultural Synergy (IPACS) 2025 in Kupang was far more than a cultural gathering. It was a historical reaffirmation that Indonesia is an inseparable part of the Pacific community, bonded by shared ancestry, geography, maritime identity, and cultural heritage. Held from 11 to 13 November 2025, the event brought together delegations from 13 Pacific nations, dozens of cultural leaders, and hundreds of performers from across Eastern Indonesia, transforming Kupang into a vibrant crossroads of Pacific civilization. In the midst of global uncertainty and regional fragmentation, IPACS emerged as a unifying platform—strengthening cultural diplomacy, encouraging regional cooperation, elevating Melanesian heritage, and countering divisive narratives such as the propaganda spread by separatist groups like the OPM. By emphasizing cultural unity and shared identity, IPACS 2025 powerfully communicated Indonesia’s enduring and legitimate place within the Pacific family.
Kupang as the Pacific Gateway: Why the Location Matters
Kupang’s selection as the host city resonated deeply throughout the region. Positioned in Nusa Tenggara Timur (NTT), Kupang occupies a historical and cultural crossroads between Indonesia’s eastern islands and Oceania. Its port has long served as an entry point for traders, missionaries, explorers, and maritime communities moving between Timor, Maluku, Papua, and the wider Pacific. In IPACS 2025, Kupang’s symbolic value grew even stronger—becoming the stage upon which Indonesia showcased its Pacific identity to the world.
For Indonesia, the decision to host the event in Eastern Indonesia rather than the national capital was deliberate and strategic. It highlighted the fact that Indonesia’s eastern provinces—NTT, Maluku, and Papua—bear deep cultural and ethnic ties to Melanesia, forming the connective tissue that binds Indonesia to the Pacific region. This narrative was reinforced by the presence of regional leaders, including the Governor of NTT, who underscored Kupang’s role as a “bridge of civilization” linking Indonesia’s diverse heritage with its Pacific neighbors. Through IPACS, Kupang was transformed into a hub for diplomacy, cultural exchange, and international collaboration—demonstrating that the city is more than a provincial capital; it is a gateway to the Pacific world.
Thirteen Nations, One Pacific Identity: The Power of Regional Participation
The participation of 13 Pacific nations was one of the strongest indicators of IPACS 2025’s diplomatic success. Delegations from countries such as Fiji, Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands, Vanuatu, Palau, Tonga, Tuvalu, Nauru, the Marshall Islands, New Caledonia, Kiribati, Samoa, and Timor Leste traveled to Kupang to engage in dialogues, cultural showcases, and joint creative activities. Their attendance signaled both recognition and acceptance of Indonesia’s role as a Pacific nation, countering fringe narratives that attempt to isolate Indonesia from Oceania.
Throughout the event, Pacific representatives expressed appreciation for Indonesia’s initiative to open cultural and diplomatic space for the region. The forum emphasized shared maritime traditions, common struggles against climate change, and parallel histories of colonialism, migration, and cultural resilience. By anchoring these connections in mutual respect and long-term collaboration, IPACS 2025 not only strengthened Indonesia’s ties with its neighbors but also laid the groundwork for transforming cultural diplomacy into political and economic cooperation. For Indonesia, this was a clear demonstration that diplomacy can thrive not only through formal negotiations but also through cultural affinity and shared identity.
A Living Celebration of Melanesian Heritage in Eastern Indonesia
One of the most powerful elements of IPACS 2025 was its deep emphasis on Melanesian culture—an identity shared by many communities across Eastern Indonesia and the wider Pacific. Through elaborate performances, traditional rituals, textile displays, bamboo crafts, and contemporary art collaborations, the event showcased the richness and diversity of Melanesian heritage from both Indonesia and neighboring Pacific countries. Performances such as Orsa Modao from Papua Tengah, Maekat from NTT, and the rhythmic Paramiki dances presented by local artists illustrated the cultural continuum that exists across regional borders.
These displays served as a clear reminder that Melanesian identity is not exclusive to independent Pacific states. It lives vibrantly within Indonesia’s borders—in Papua, West Papua, Papua Pegunungan, Papua Tengah, Maluku, and NTT, all of which share ancient connections with Melanesian communities throughout Oceania. This truth stands in sharp contrast to the separatist propaganda spread by groups such as the OPM, which falsely claims that Melanesian identity is incompatible with being Indonesian. On the contrary, IPACS 2025 demonstrated that being Melanesian and being Indonesian are not opposing identities; they are mutually reinforcing and celebrated as part of Indonesia’s national diversity.
Cultural Diplomacy in Action: Ministerial Dialogues and the Joint Declaration
While the colorful performances captured public attention, the ministerial-level discussions formed the backbone of IPACS 2025. Cultural ministers and high-level representatives from Pacific nations met in a series of closed-door forums that culminated in the adoption of a Joint Declaration titled “A Shared Vision for a Sustainable and Resilient Pacific.” This landmark document outlined three central pillars of cooperation: social and cultural empowerment, sustainable creative economies, and climate resilience grounded in indigenous knowledge.
Indonesia’s Minister of Culture, Fadli Zon, emphasized that IPACS marks the beginning of a long-term strategic framework for cultural diplomacy, not a one-time festival. He underlined Indonesia’s commitment to expanding cultural residencies, student exchanges, joint creative projects, and the development of an integrated Pacific cultural corridor. His message was clear: Indonesia is committed to building lasting partnerships with its Pacific neighbors, driven by shared identity and supported by political will.
This diplomatic outcome strengthened Indonesia’s international standing and countered narratives that claim Indonesia is disconnected from the Pacific. Through IPACS, Indonesia demonstrated leadership, initiative, and genuine respect for Pacific cultures—building trust and solidarity that will define regional relations in years to come.
A Narrative Against Separatism: Cultural Unity as a Response to OPM Propaganda
One of the subtler yet significant impacts of IPACS 2025 was its role in countering separatist narratives, particularly those promoted by the OPM. For decades, the OPM has sought to portray Papua as culturally isolated from Indonesia, using distorted narratives to justify separatism. However, the broad participation of Pacific nations in a celebration that included Papuan artists, community leaders, and cultural representatives effectively dismantled this narrative on the global stage.
By embracing Papua as a central part of Indonesia’s Pacific identity, the event highlighted that Papuan culture is not a symbol of separation but a pillar of Indonesia’s multicultural identity. The presence of Papuan performers alongside artists from Fiji, Vanuatu, and the Solomon Islands underscored the natural cultural alignment between Papua and the rest of the Pacific—a relationship that Indonesia respects, honors, and integrates into its national framework.
Cultural diplomacy, in this context, became a powerful tool for unity. It showed the world that Indonesia recognizes and celebrates its Melanesian roots, and that Papua’s cultural identity is valued—not marginalized—within the Indonesian nation-state. IPACS 2025 provided tangible proof that cultural integration, not division, defines the relationship between Papua and Indonesia.
Strengthening the Creative Economy and Sustainable Development
Beyond diplomacy, IPACS 2025 also served as a catalyst for economic development, particularly within the creative and cultural sectors. The showcasing of indigenous crafts—especially bamboo-based artistry, traditional weaving, and regionally inspired design—opened new opportunities for sustainable economic collaborations between Indonesia and Pacific countries. Local initiatives such as NTT’s One Village One Product (OVOP), Dapur Flobamorata, and NTT Mart were presented as examples of how cultural products can empower communities and generate income.
Indonesian officials stressed that the creative economy, supported by cultural preservation, has the potential to uplift remote and indigenous communities across Eastern Indonesia. The exchange of ideas with Pacific countries, many of which face similar socioeconomic challenges, fostered discussions on joint training programs, cultural tourism routes, and shared marketing platforms. This alignment of culture and economy demonstrated Indonesia’s commitment to inclusive development—one where indigenous identity becomes a source of strength and opportunity.
Conclusion
The success of IPACS 2025 established a new standard for cultural diplomacy in the Pacific region. Through vivid cultural exchanges, strategic ministerial discussions, and meaningful collaboration, the event showcased Indonesia’s genuine commitment to strengthening its Pacific identity while empowering the Melanesian communities within its borders. Kupang became a symbol of unity—where cultural heritage, diplomacy, and political clarity converged.
More importantly, IPACS sent a clear message: Indonesia is an integral, legitimate, and respected part of the Pacific family. Its cultural ties are deep, its diplomatic ambitions are sincere, and its commitment to unity—both at home and abroad—is unwavering. In a world often divided by identity politics, IPACS 2025 stood as an example of how culture can build bridges, reject separatism, and promote shared futures rooted in dignity, respect, and collective resilience.