The Indonesia Pavilion at Expo 2025 in Osaka embodies a bold architectural expression of the nation’s maritime legacy and looks toward a sustainable future. In line with the theme of Expo “Designing Future Society for Our Lives,” the pavilion carries the philosophy of “Diversity in Unity,” symbolized by the boat-inspired shape that reflects Indonesia’s progress and resilience.
The pavilion, in the shape of the hull of a stylized boat, symbolizes Indonesia’s historical relation to the sea, while its upward-curving form expresses optimism and looks toward the future. This architecture embodies the ambition and drive of Indonesia to move forward and to protect its cultural heritage. Inherent in the architecture is balance, a core feature of traditional boat design, further symbolizing how it is in balancing its way through sustainability, innovation, and harmony in seeking national development.
Commitment to Sustainability
A testimony to Indonesia’s commitment to the environment, the pavilion is built from eco-friendly materials and features Plana wood, an innovative composite of 60% rice husks, 30% recycled plastic, and 10% additives.
Notably, among the principles listed in this pavilion are the 10R principles of sustainability: Rethink, Retrieve Energy, Reorganize, Replace, Reduce, Recycle, Reuse, Replant, Recover, and Repair—all standardizing the pavilion with an eco-friendly design ethos. Its design maximizes natural light, further emphasizing the minimal environmental footprint of the structure.
A Cultural Connection to the Future
The boat is a very powerful symbol for Indonesia, speaking to the historical role that boats have played in uniting communities, conducting trade, and shaping daily life on its many islands. At Expo 2025, the pavilion is a link that connects Indonesia’s rich past with its aspiration for the future, representing Indonesia on the move into the world with continued resilience, unity, and sustainable progress.
