Among the vibrant tapestry of cultures showcased at World Expo 2025 Osaka which is held on 13 April until 13 October 2025 (184 days) in Osaka, Kansai, Japan, the Komite Seni dan Budaya Nusantara (KSBN) emerged as a compelling force, bringing the rich heritage of South Papua to an international stage. Their participation not only highlighted the unique traditions of Papua but also underscored Indonesia’s broader vision of cultural diplomacy under the dignified theme “Thriving in Harmony: Nature, Culture, Future.”
A Cultural Bridge Across Continents
Indonesia’s pavilion—designed as an eco-friendly vessel inspired by traditional Nusantara ships—served as more than just an exhibit; it was a microcosm of the nation’s biodiverse majesty and creative spirit. Spread across three zones—Nature, Culture, and Future—the pavilion featured visual storytelling from lush tropical forests to futuristic urban visions, all curated to invite dialogue and partnership.
Positioned within this arena of cultural exchange, the KSBN dedicated itself to representing the people of South Papua. They did so through a multi-dimensional program—an interplay of song, dance, handicrafts, and intimate storytelling—that immersed visitors in the diverse culture of the remote Indonesian region.
South Papua’s Cultural Tapestry
South Papua is a land of lush rainforest, mountainous terrain, and vibrant traditions. The KSBN brought to Osaka a selection of traditional dance forms—such as war dances and ritual movements—accompanied by rhythmic chanting and ceremonial costumes. Each performance told a story: of ancestral life, communal rites, and the spiritual connection between humans and nature.
The KSBN’s approach was narrative-driven. Guided by elders and cultural experts, each segment began with personal histories—stories passed from generation to generation—painting pictures of village life, harvest festivals, and ancestral art. Visitors, from schoolchildren to Japanese elders, were captivated. Many paused afterward to engage in Q&A sessions, fostering a bridge of understanding between distinct cultures.
Artifacts, Heirlooms, and Symbolism
In a dedicated exhibit area, the committee displayed cultural artifacts: fiber-woven sling bags, elaborate headdresses, hand-carved wooden totems, and traditional musical instruments like the suling papua (Papuan flute) and tifa (hourglass drum). KSBN’s curators highlighted each item’s significance—woven from materials sourced and crafted by hand, these objects embodied ecological sustainability and artisanal craftsmanship, echoing the Expo’s theme.
Their display drew parallels between Papuan techniques and those from other Indonesian regions, notably within the pavilion’s Culture zone—nestled among exhibits like Jaipong dance from Java, Pencak Silat from West Java, and Sundanese batik threads. This interweaving of cultural elements painted a broader picture of Indonesia’s shared diversity, rooted in harmony yet rich in regional specificity.
A Multicultural Performance Line-Up
KSBN’s presence was not limited to solos. Collaborations were a highlight. Indonesian-Japanese dialogues, steered by initiatives such as Sakuranesia’s “Friend‑Ship: Indonesia–Japan Cultural Dialogue,” embedded KSBN within a broader cultural exchange dynamic. During these dialogues, creative figures like Bubah Alfian and Inoue Bunta shared the stage—signaling Indonesia’s commitment to mutual cultural appreciation.
Behind the scenes, female entrepreneurs from Papua featured among South Papua’s representation. In collaboration with KOWANI (Indonesian Women’s Congress), they exhibited products reflecting local women’s craftsmanship—woven textiles, natural embroidery, and botanical dyes. These items spoke to stories of resilience: women preserving tradition, innovating designs, and actively participating in sustainable economic development at both home and abroad.
Voices from the Ground
KSBN delegates shared their reflections:
“Our aim is not only to showcase performance, but also to spark empathy,” explained a KSBN cultural ambassador. “Through dance and stories, we invite the world to feel the heartbeat of South Papua.”
Japanese visitors responded with heartfelt questions about material sourcing, ritual relevance, and youth engagement. Many expressed surprise at the nuanced complexity of Papuan heritage and left with newfound respect.
Cultural science curator Novi Simbolon noted: “The artifacts challenge stereotypes of Papua as remote and monolithic. They reflect a dynamic, participatory culture in dialogue with nature—exactly the kind of forward-thinking heritage the Expo champions.”
Indonesia’s Strategic Cultural Diplomacy
The KSBN’s participation synergized with Indonesia’s national strategy. Bappenas and other agencies have emphasized the Expo as a platform for sustainable cultural diplomacy. According to Minister Rachmat Pambudy, the pavilion’s aim extends beyond symbolism: it is “a strategic moment to strengthen economic and cultural diplomacy”.
Moreover, the presence of South Papua underscored Indonesia’s narrative of unity-in-diversity. By turning attention to an often underrepresented region, KSBN’s programming advanced inclusivity in the nation’s international image.
Pioneering Partnerships and Sustainable Futures
KSBN’s narrative echoed multiple intersecting themes from Expo 2025: cultural preservation, sustainable innovation, and women’s empowerment. By spotlighting indigenous Papuan artistry and ecological craftsmanship, they contributed to Indonesia’s showcase of “Nature,” one of the pavilion’s core zones.
Beyond public exhibitions, KSBN engaged in closed forums with Japanese cultural institutions and NGOs. These meetings discussed collaboration on arts education, eco-tourism in Papuan highlands, and joint-research in sustainable materials. While these hydrogen-broadcasted talks are less public, sources indicate they concluded with joint letters of intent to support Papuan artists in future Japanese residencies.
Beauty in the Details
Expo-goers frequently highlighted the emotional power of KSBN’s performances. The contrast between vibrant ceremonial attire and the quiet dignity of ancient chant resonated deeply. One Japanese attendee noted: “It’s unlike any other cultural show—it feels like an intimate, spiritual encounter.”
Similarly, Indonesia’s showcase—rich in symbolism—communicated universal messages: humanity’s bond with nature, the persistence of identity in change, and the need for cultural empathy.
Architecturally, the Papuan elements—light displays of totemic carving and natural fiber textures—blew into the larger pavilion’s design ethos. When visitors stepped into the Culture zone after the visual sweep of the forest, Papuan display offered refreshing intimacy and tactile connection.
Looking Ahead: Beyond the Expo
KSBN expects a ripple effect from its Osaka presence. Plans are already underway to bring Papuan culture to other major world events—from UNESCO forums to tourism expos in Tokyo and Bali. A Papuan arts exchange program in Kyoto is being developed where local artists will visit schools to hold workshops in traditional dance and weaving.
Moreover, collaborations with Japanese artisans aim to incorporate Papuan natural materials into contemporary crafts. Negotiations with galleries in Osaka and Tokyo are ongoing for a Papuan folk art exhibition slated for late 2025.
Measuring Impact
Early indicators of impact include increased web searches for “Papua traditional dance,” surging Papuan export interest from followers on Japanese social media, and inquiries from Japanese tour operators. KSBN has reported a spike in visitors to their digital archive and has received requests from cultural attachés worldwide seeking Papuan delegations.
These metrics align with the Indonesian government’s dual goals of “soft diplomacy” and economic revitalization through culture—particularly in underserved eastern regions.
Conclusion
KSBN’s participation at World Expo 2025 Osaka stands as a powerful chapter in Indonesia’s cultural diplomacy. With narrative depth spanning prophets of ancestral traditions, women-led creative enterprises, and modern partnerships, the committee elevated South Papua from regional obscurity to global awareness.
In an era where the world seeks reconnection—with heritage and sustainability—KSBN’s presentation did more than entertain. It educated, challenged preconceived notions, and invited new partnerships in arts, ecology, and economic synergy. In the vast ocean of global cultures, South Papua now stands illuminated as a vivid constellation within the archipelago—ready to shine again on the world stage.