Indonesia Pavilion at Expo 2025 Osaka: A Voyage Through Nature, Culture, and the Future
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11 Nov 2025
The Expo 2025 Osaka invites the world to explore a future-ready society designed around human life. Under the theme Designing Future Society for Our Lives, this global platform aligns perfectly with Indonesia’s ambition to merge nature, culture, and innovation. The Indonesia Pavilion stands as a testament to that vision: seamlessly integrating heritage, environment, and forward-thinking technology.
Drawing on the Balinese philosophy of Tri Hita Karana—which emphasises harmony between humans, nature, and the divine—the pavilion invites a more mindful approach to sustainability. It encourages responsibility toward oneself, community, and planet.
From 13 April to 13 October 2025, global visitors in Osaka, Japan experienced Indonesia’s legacy and pioneering outlook. Beyond a mere cultural exhibition, the pavilion reflects Indonesia’s role as a crossroads of global exchange: ancient civilizations, vibrant trade networks, and enduring traditions have all shaped its identity. At the same time, Indonesia presents itself as one of the world’s most promising destinations for investment, cooperation, and innovation: dynamic population, abundant natural resources, and a strong commitment to green inclusive development open doors to meaningful partnerships.
A Journey Through Time and Space
Inspired by Indonesia’s maritime heritage, the pavilion was designed to resemble a majestic ship. That shape symbolises the archipelago’s seafaring past and its voyage toward a sustainable future. Inside, visitors traverse areas that blend tradition with technology. Each section evokes a sense of a journey—from Earth’s depths to sweeping panorama of Indonesia, culminating in the national vision of Indonesia Emas 2045: a prosperous, inclusive and sustainable future. The structural and experiential design encourages reflection and engagement. For instance, the architectural layout guides visitors through a narrative of cultural identity and innovation. The result is immersive storytelling combined with sensory resonance.
Minister of National Development Planning Rachmat Pambudy inaugurated the Indonesia Pavilion at World Expo 2025 Osaka, emphasizing it as a platform for diplomacy and collaboration toward a sustainable future. Carrying the theme “Thriving in Harmony: Nature, Culture, Future,” the pavilion reflects Indonesia’s vision of becoming a united, advanced, and sustainable nation. Inspired by the country’s maritime heritage, the ship-shaped pavilion blends cultural richness with innovation through eco-friendly design. Visitors can explore three main zones—Nature, Culture, and Future—featuring tropical forest installations, cinematic journeys, traditional arts, and creative collaborations by leading Indonesian artists. The pavilion also spotlights the Nusantara Capital City and hosts business forums promoting international partnerships. Created by young Indonesian talents, the pavilion embodies local wisdom and modern creativity. Supported by ministries, regional governments, state enterprises, and partners such as Astra, RGE, and Indofood, it aims to attract up to 3.5 million visitors and foster sustainable global cooperation.
Driving Global Collaboration and Sustainable Growth
Indonesia positions Expo 2025 as a platform to attract investment and strengthen international cooperation. With 28 million visitors and participation from 158 countries, the event offers vast potential for partnerships in energy, infrastructure, green economy, and creative industries. Building on the success of Expo 2020 Dubai, Indonesia aims to further expand its global presence through over 40 business forums and dedicated meeting spaces.
Aligned with the 2025–2029 Medium-Term Development Plan, Indonesia targets 8% GDP growth, requiring IDR 10,303 trillion in financing—about 6.7% of cumulative GDP. Around 30% of this will come from private investment, reflecting a shift toward innovative public–private collaboration. The Indonesia Pavilion serves as a high-impact platform to showcase strategic projects and invite sustainable, inclusive investment that supports the nation’s long-term economic transformation.
Indonesia Pavilion Celebrating Indonesia’s Creative Spirit
A major highlight of the pavilion is the creative presence of Indonesia’s contemporary artists. Their work vividly animates the Nature Zone by reinterpreting endangered native species—such as the Sumatran Tiger, Javan Leopard, Orangutan, and Komodo Dragon—through bold visual language that blends tradition with futurism. In addition, the pavilion offers immersive cinematic experiences. For example, a feature titled Nusantara Odyssey combines striking visuals and storytelling to evoke Indonesia’s landscapes and myths. Meanwhile, a photography exhibition highlights Indonesia’s textile heritage and craftsmanship, offering deeper context for the archipelago’s living traditions. Beyond the art itself, strong partnerships also reinforce Indonesia’s sustainability and community development goals. For instance, collaboration with conservation organisations continues to support wildlife rescue, reforestation, and local community empowerment.
Craft, Performance & Design: The Living Traditions of Indonesia
In the Culture Zone, visitors experience living traditions rather than static relics. They can observe weaving techniques, herbal medicine, cosmetics, dance, and martial arts—all of which continue to evolve rather than fade into history. Moreover, Indonesia’s textile heritage receives a modern interpretation through handwoven ikat and tenun fabrics dyed with natural colors. These fabrics, mounted on sail-like structures that recall traditional boats, connect craftsmanship with the nation’s maritime identity. In addition, they highlight skills passed down through generations yet reimagined with contemporary design sensibilities.
Equally important, the pavilion’s design itself supports the same values. It was constructed with eco-friendly principlesto ensure minimal environmental impact. For instance, Plana wood—a blend of rice-husk residue, recycled plastic waste, and additives—offers a sustainable alternative to conventional materials. Furthermore, the pavilion integrates energy-efficient lighting and cooling systems, recycled elements, and renewable energy sources to reduce emissions. Finally, selected components will be repurposed or relocated after the Expo, ensuring that its legacy continues long beyond the event.
Indonesia Pavilion Mascot: Tumtum
The pavilion mascot, Tumtum, adds an accessible and playful dimension to the visitor experience. Inspired by the Batik Truntum motif, Tumtum is represented by three characters: Tumala (Nature), Tumbaya (Culture) and Tumasa (Future). Their presence guides visitors through the pavilion’s themes and ties together Indonesia’s identity in a memorable way.
Culinary & Craft Experiences
No visit is complete without a taste of Indonesia. The pavilion’s restaurant offers curated menus featuring standout products such as Mandheling and Toraja coffee, served in a context that reflects the nation’s culinary heritage. Meanwhile, the retail area showcases handcrafted goods—textiles, design reinterpretations and artisanal pieces—displaying the breadth of Indonesia’s design ecosystem.
ASA is honored to support the Indonesia Pavilion at Expo 2025 Osaka by managing press releases and media relations during the Opening Ceremony and Media Day. ASA also handled the media tour at the pavilion’s opening, ensuring effective communication and strong media engagement throughout the event.
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