SIPA 2025: Global Harmony on Stage at Vastenburg Fortress

Source: LPM Campus
LPM Campus – The Solo International Performing Arts (SIPA) 2025 once again transformed Vastenburg Fortress into a stage where artists from around the globe gathered to celebrate cultural diversity. This annual festival, held in Solo, has long been a highlight in Indonesia’s cultural calendar, offering audiences a unique showcase of cross-cultural performances. Among this year’s highlights was the appearance of a delegation from South Korea.
Their participation at SIPA was made possible through the Busan International Performing Arts Market (BPAM). By connecting through this international art market network, SIPA successfully invited several delegations from abroad. “We are from BPAM, Busan International Performing Arts Market. Through BPAM, many international delegations joined, including us, and we were truly honored to be invited to SIPA,” said Ka-Yeong, one of the performers.
When asked about their preparation, the South Korean performers explained that their frequent performances throughout the year helped keep them stage-ready at all times. “Within a year we perform quite often. So whenever there is time, we meet every day to practice,” Ka-Yeong shared. This routine allowed them to remain disciplined, confident, and united—even when facing the unique atmosphere of an international festival like SIPA.

Source: LPM Campus
What made their performance especially memorable was their choice of repertoire: Stecu, a beloved Indonesian song. According to Ka-Yeong, the idea came naturally when they were looking for a piece to represent Indonesia. “We really like this song. When we first heard it, we instantly felt connected. It is also a well-known song, so we knew the audience would enjoy it,” she explained.
The response proved their instincts right. As the melody of Stecu echoed through Vastenburg Fortress, the audience erupted in applause, many joining in by singing and clapping along. The moment became a powerful reminder of how music can transcend language barriers and create a sense of unity.
Their performance was not just an artistic showcase, but also a symbolic act of cultural collaboration—the very spirit that SIPA seeks to embody. By presenting an Indonesian song through an international lens, the South Korean delegation created a performance that felt both familiar and refreshing, bridging cultures through the universal language of art.
Beyond their performance, SIPA 2025 also featured a rich lineup of artists from both Indonesia and abroad. From traditional dances and contemporary music to experimental works blending heritage with modernity, every act highlighted the richness of global culture. This diversity is what makes SIPA a truly special and highly anticipated festival each year.
For the people of Solo, SIPA has become more than just an event—it is a source of pride. The packed crowd at Vastenburg Fortress reflected the city’s enthusiasm and support, making international artists feel warmly welcomed.
Representing her group, Ka-Yeong expressed heartfelt gratitude. “Thank you so much for the warm support. We felt truly honored to perform here,” she said with a smile.
With its vibrant performances and strong message of togetherness, SIPA 2025 once again proved itself to be a global stage of cultural harmony. Through art, differences are no longer divides, but bridges that connect and unite people across nations.
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Writer: Shafira Ayyu Listia A. (Communication Science’22)
