Three-day cultural festival amplifies Kepri narratives through literacy, arts, and community collaboration
Project 25 Batam is making a meaningful comeback with “SUARA KITA” (Our Voice), a three-day cultural program dedicated to strengthening local literacy and celebrating the Riau Islands community.
Literacy as a Tool for Collective Memory
Held from December 5 to 7 at Musso Art Café, “Our Voice” places literacy at the core of its mission. The event seeks not only to entertain but also to inspire deeper reflection on local narratives that risk being overshadowed by rapid urban development. Project 25 encourages visitors to listen, learn and contribute to the preservation of Kepri’s cultural identity.
Exploring Identity Through Museum Kalcer
A key highlight is Museum Kalcer, an immersive art installation inspired by the idea of tracing paper, representing layered histories and identities. Through visual artworks, cultural artifacts and data-driven displays, the exhibition invites communities to revisit, question and reimagine their shared memory.
Growing Batam’s Reading Ecosystem
The Book and Idea Exchange serves as a collaborative forum, uniting literacy groups, reading communities and cultural activists. The session aims to build a sustainable network that strengthens the city’s reading culture and fosters long-term community learning.
Creativity and Craft in the Pop-Up Market
The Pop-Up Market & Life Crafting offers a curated space for local makers and small creative businesses. Beyond commerce, the market emphasizes storytelling—encouraging visitors to understand the meaning and values behind each product while supporting emerging artisans.
Film Screening to Broaden Perspectives
The program also features a community screening of “Memory of My Face,” a short film by UCLA anthropologist Robert Lemelson. The film’s exploration of mental health, religion, family and globalization in Indonesia aims to open new dialogues on rarely discussed social issues.
A Collective Movement for Local Empowerment
As an independent youth-led collective, Project 25 focuses on community-based initiatives across art, culture and creativity. Event coordinator Afnita said the goal has always been to ensure participants leave with something meaningful. She hopes that growing public enthusiasm translates into greater support for small grassroots cultural movements.
The return of Project 25 reflects Batam’s rising cultural energy and a growing desire to protect and celebrate local identity. For communities across the Riau Islands and Singapore, the event highlights the power of literacy and creativity in shaping a more connected and resilient regional culture.
Keywords: Suara Kita Festival, Museum Kalcer Batam, Book Idea Exchange, Pop Up Market Crafting, Batam Culture Initiative
