RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - Indonesia is preparing to host the 23rd Congress of the Indo-Pacific Prehistory Association (IPPA), reinforcing its role as one of the world’s key centers for prehistoric and cultural research. The event will take place in Yogyakarta in November and is expected to gather around 700 participants from 40 countries across the Indo-Pacific region.

The plan was discussed during a meeting between Indonesia’s Ministry of Culture and IPPA representatives, Wednesday, in Jakarta 5 March 2026. Indonesia’s Minister of Culture, Fadli Zon, said the congress would strengthen cultural diplomacy and promote the country’s heritage on the global stage.

IPPA President Anggraeni said the quadrennial conference will carry the theme “Tomorrow and Beyond.” She noted that the gathering will bring together archaeologists and scholars to discuss prehistoric developments across the Indo-Pacific region.

According to him, the congress provides an opportunity to showcase Indonesia’s cultural richness and archaeological discoveries. “We strongly support this initiative so that our culture becomes more visible on the global cultural map and contributes to the promotion of cultural and heritage tourism,” he said.

The minister also highlighted Indonesia’s recent discovery of what researchers believe to be the world’s oldest rock art in South Sulawesi. The finding strengthens the country’s position as a significant location for prehistoric studies.

Indonesia has long played a major role in the study of human evolution, with more than 60 percent of the world’s Homo erectus fossil discoveries found in the country. These findings have helped reshape scientific understanding of early human migration and development.

The congress will be organized in collaboration with several institutions, including Badan Riset dan Inovasi Nasional and Universitas Gadjah Mada. Discussions will focus on prehistoric research and its implications for the wider Indo-Pacific region.

Through its support for the event, the Indonesian government aims to reaffirm the country’s position as a global cultural hub and a megadiversity nation. The initiative also reflects Indonesia’s commitment to strengthening cultural diplomacy through heritage and research cooperation.