“Journey, Celebration, and the Flavors of Indonesia”
This year’s theme encapsulates the essence of Pasar Hamburg’s long journey from its humble beginnings in 2013 to its transformation in 2025 into a biennial Festival & Fair.
The journey of Pasar Hamburg began as an initiative of the Indonesian diaspora in Hamburg and has grown into a vibrant intercultural meeting place, connecting innovators and creative makers, artists, artisans, cultural drivers, community builders, cross-network collaborators, and creators of meaningful works from Indonesia and Europe.
The Journey theme invites visitors to trace Pasar Hamburg’s path from its cultural roots to contemporary expressions, from a festive market to a global collaboration platform.
Pasar Hamburg is a celebration not only of Indonesia’s rich and colorful cultural heritage but also of the warm relationship between Indonesia and Germany. Through cultural performances, community interactions, and creative showcases, the Celebration theme affirms an inclusive spirit that sees diversity as a shared strength.
The diverse programs of Pasar Hamburg are a window into Indonesia’s many flavors, opening a dialogue between cultures. From angkringan street food to specialty Indonesian coffee, from traditional handwoven textiles to innovative fashion design, from heritage arts to contemporary performances, each taste and experience tells a story, inviting the world to know Indonesia more deeply.
📍2013–2025: 12 Years of the Pasar Hamburg Journey
From Diaspora, Growing for the World
📍2013 – A Warm Beginning from the Diaspora
Born from the initiative of the Indonesian diaspora in Hamburg, Pasar Hamburg started as a cultural gathering and a longing for home. First held at Magnus-Halle for just one day, it has now grown into a three-day celebration. It is a small beginning with a big spirit.
📍2014–2018 – Growing into an Annual Festival
Pasar Hamburg grew into a two-day annual event, moving venues from the ethnology museum MARKK to the Messehalle Hamburg. In 2015, a major milestone was reached when Pasar Hamburg became the official partner of Indonesia’s participation at the Frankfurt Book Fair.
📍2019 – Transforming into a Biennale
The biennale concept was introduced: a biennial rhythm to allow for deeper engagement and empowerment. However, the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted plans for 2021. The pause from 2021–2023 became a period of reflection and the birth of a new vision: Pasar Hamburg Fair.
📍2021–2023 – A Time for Reflection & New Direction
In the absence of physical events, the concept of Impact Partnership emerged. The focus shifted beyond just celebration, toward empowering MSMEs, advancing social value, and fostering sustainable impact. Pasar Hamburg began its transformation into a more strategic collaborative platform.
📍2025 – A Year of Revival & New Format
Pasar Hamburg returns to Messehalle Hamburg as a symbol of rebirth. A new format is introduced:
To become a world-class event and hub for Impact Partnership that connects culture and innovation, fosters mutually beneficial and sustainable partnerships, and presents Indonesia on the European stage with dignity.
Dedicated to the City of Hamburg, Pasar Hamburg & Impact Partnership serve as a cross-cultural space between Indonesia and Europe, becoming part of the city’s heartbeat. We build an ecosystem of cultural collaboration, social entrepreneurship, and partnerships that bring together innovators and creative makers, artists, artisans, and community builders, creating equitable global relationships, rooted in local values, and making a tangible difference for Hamburg and the world.
Behind the vibrant cultural scenes and the collaborative spirit that flows through every corner of Pasar Hamburg stands a foundation built with consistency and care: IDKA e.V. (Indonesisch–Deutsch Kultur Austausch), the Indonesian–German Cultural Exchange (registered non-profit association in Germany).
Since its official establishment in 2015, IDKA e.V. has been the legal and organizational foundation of Pasar Hamburg and its entire collaborative ecosystem. It provides the formal structure that allows the festival to grow professionally, build strategic partnerships, and operate with integrity and accountability.