The Apurva Kempinski Bali announced the Powerful Indonesia Festival 2025, an immersive tribute to the nation’s heritage and cultural plurality. The two-day programme honoured Indonesia’s 80 years of independence through experiences that united heritage, contemporary expression, and sustainability. Taking place on 16-17 August 2025 at the Candi Ballroom, the festival brought together a vibrant creative market, art exhibitions and installations, masterclasses, and culinary showcases – inviting guests to explore, taste and engage with the archipelago’s finest makers and ideas.
The Powerful Indonesia Festival 2025 featured a range of exciting exhibitions and performances. Programme highlights included Made Bayak’s “Placticology” talk show, where Bayak shared his experience transforming plastic waste into impactful artworks and discussed the importance of sustainability. Dwyma Adinatha, also known as Dwymabim, collaborated with Daur Tera, presenting eco-friendly installations and discussing the “Daur Ulang Movement”, which promoted sustainable artistic practices. The festival included upcycling machine demonstrations and recycled-plastic design works, exemplifying the synergy between creativity and sustainability, advocating for a more environmentally conscious future.
Showcasing the richness and diversity of Indonesian culture, the Powerful Indonesia Festival 2025 brought together an exciting lineup of art-performers, opening with a special ceremony featuring Kecak Kobagi, a community ensemble from Bali that revitalises the traditional Kecak dance with modern elements, and Ayu Laksmi, who offered a transcendent musical performance blending Balinese and Nusantara traditions with ambient and world music. The stage then continued with dynamic DJ sessions by DJ Rika, DJ Richart Volx, DJ Alya, and DJ Pepe, showcasing their unique styles, from vintage record culture to eclectic sets of classic rock, soul, and funk.
Furthermore, The Apurva Kempinski Bali presented a diverse array of food stalls, available for guests to enjoy over the two-day event. Authentic Indonesia culinary delights were showcased exclusively at the Powerful Indonesia Festival 2025, crafted by the resort’s talented chefs. The offerings range from Nasi Campur Apurva to Gorengan Tampah Pasar Malam, complemented by refreshing Es Campur, bite-sized Kue Cubit, and many more.
The Powerful Indonesia Festival 2025’s Creative Market celebrated Indonesian craftsmanship and the creative economy, rooted in community impact. The market showcased design-driven products, craft excellence, and circular innovations, reflecting Indonesia’s vibrant creative sector and the resort’s commitment to sustainability. Over the two days, guests participated in hands-on masterclasses, met exhibitors, and experienced installations that transformed recycled materials into functional art.
Participating brands included Small and Medium-sized Enterprises mentored by Bank Central Asia (BCA) and curated artisans from the resort’s Asha Curated Boutique & Gallery, featuring notable brands such as HANDEP, Pithecanthropus Bali, Tenun Setia Cap Cili, I Wayan Puspa, Tarum Bali, Uluwatu Lace, and many more.
As part of the Powerful Indonesia Festival 2025, The Apurva Kempinski Bali hosted a special ceremony to honour Indonesia’s veterans, recognising their bravery, sacrifice, and dedication to the nation. This tribute paid homage to these distinguished individuals, who have shaped the country’s history through their service. A bespoke poem, crafted from the veterans’ own recollections, was recited, highlighting their struggles and heroism. The ceremony began with a moment of silence and a formal salute, followed by the poem’s recital, accompanied by gentle music. Each veteran was named and presented with a token of appreciation, symbolising the nation’s enduring gratitude.
“The Powerful Indonesia Festival 2025 is a celebration of Indonesia’s dynamic spirit,” says Vincent Guironnet, General Manager of The Apurva Kempinski Bali. “Indonesia’s diversity is a key part of its strength. This festival showcases the country’s rich heritage through the talents of its maestros, artists, and artisans, bringing together creativity and tradition.”
