Jakarta, Indonesia – Fiji is proudly represented at the Indonesian Arts and Culture Scholarship (IACS) Program, hosted by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Indonesia. The program, which spans from June to August this year, offers an immersive experience in Indonesian arts and culture to participants from around the world.
The IACS program grants an opportunity for individuals from abroad to study Indonesian arts and culture at various art centers located in Jakarta, Bali, West Sumatera, East Kalimantan, and East Java. Out of the numerous applicants from 34 countries, Fiji is among the 45 awardees selected for the program.
Ms. Marosi Nakanacagi and Ms. Kalara Valeicili proudly represent Fiji in this program. Over the next two months, Ms. Nakanacagi will be based in Jakarta, while Ms. Valeicili will immerse herself in the vibrant cultural scene of Bali. Their selection was based on their motivation, interests, and the objective of regional representation.
The program showcases cultural diversity as participants from Asia, Africa, Europe, and the Pacific, including Papua New Guinea and Solomon Islands, join together to engage in artistic and cultural exchanges. Introduced in 2003, the IACS program aims to promote a better understanding of Indonesian arts and culture among international youth. It also fosters mutual understanding, friendship, and people-to-people interaction, nurturing future ambassadors of Indonesian culture.
Upon completion of the program, all participants will gather in West Sumatra for the official closing ceremony. This ceremony will provide them with an opportunity to showcase the skills and knowledge they have acquired through the IACS program.
The IACS program was inaugurated on 5 June at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Indonesia, with the honorable presence of Indonesia’s Minister for Foreign Affairs, H.E. Ibu Retno Marsudi. Diplomats from various countries, representing their respective participants, were also in attendance. The Fiji Embassy was proudly represented by Ms. Vasiti Cirikiyasawa, the Second Secretary.
While the program was held virtually in 2021 and 2022 due to the global pandemic, this year’s in-person edition marks a return to the rich cultural experiences and interactions that the IACS program is renowned for.
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