Indonesia Wins UNESCO Committee Seat, Advances Cultural Diplomacy Agenda
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- Indonesia has been elected to UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage Committee for the 2026–2030 term, signaling renewed global trust in its cultural leadership.
- With 113 votes, Indonesia joins Japan, the Philippines, and Cambodia in representing Asia-Pacific while advancing eight strategic priorities in cultural preservation.
- Indonesia plans to promote digital innovation, global collaboration, and community-driven approaches to safeguard intangible cultural heritage at both regional and global levels.
Jakarta – Indonesia has been elected as a member of UNESCO’s Intergovernmental Committee for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH) for the 2026–2030 period, marking the country’s return to the body after more than a decade.
Culture Minister Fadli Zon confirmed on Friday that Indonesia secured 113 votes from UNESCO member states. The country was elected alongside Japan, which received 117 votes, the Philippines with 106 votes, and Cambodia with 97 votes, representing Group IV for the Asia-Pacific region.
Fadli described Indonesia’s election as both an honor and a significant responsibility. He noted that it has been 12 years since Indonesia last served on the committee during the 2010–2014 term, emphasizing that the renewed mandate reflects strong international confidence in the country’s role in safeguarding global cultural heritage.
“This election is not only recognition of Indonesia’s rich and diverse cultural heritage, but also of our capacity to contribute to a more inclusive, sustainable, and community-centered global cultural governance,” he said.
As a newly elected member of the ICH Committee, Indonesia has outlined eight priority agendas for its 2026–2030 term. These initiatives aim to strengthen both regional and global efforts in protecting intangible cultural heritage.
The first priority is the establishment of a UNESCO Center of Excellence in the Asia-Pacific region, envisioned as a Mega-Laboratory on Cultures, Early Human History, and Civilization. The center will focus on advancing safeguarding methodologies, digital preservation, policy innovation, research, and capacity building.
Second, Indonesia plans to develop an integrated collaborative platform that connects academics, local communities, cultural practitioners, and policymakers, fostering a more inclusive and participatory safeguarding model.
Third, the country aims to promote digital innovation, including the development of digital inventories, the use of artificial intelligence for cultural documentation, and the implementation of ethical data governance.
Fourth, Indonesia seeks to expand global cooperation through training programs, fellowships, joint missions, and cross-regional knowledge exchange.
Another key priority is the protection of endangered cultural heritage, particularly by strengthening mechanisms such as the Urgent Safeguarding List for traditions at risk of extinction.
The sixth agenda focuses on improving access to international assistance, making support mechanisms more effective, responsive, and accessible for state parties.
Seventh, Indonesia will work to empower civil society and cultural communities by expanding the participation of non-governmental organizations in decision-making processes.
Finally, the country aims to prepare cultural heritage for future challenges by promoting policies related to digital ethics, artificial intelligence, and cultural resilience in the face of climate change.
Indonesianpost.com | Antara
