Indonesia explores China partnership on traditional medicine center

Indonesia has regained its place on the UNESCO Intergovernmental Committee for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage for the 2026-2030 period. This marks the first time since 2012 that Indonesia will hold a seat on the committee, which is responsible for evaluating and inscribing elements onto UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage Lists. The announcement was made by Culture Minister Fadli Zon, who stated that Indonesia received 113 votes from UNESCO member states, securing its spot alongside Japan, the Philippines, and Cambodia in Group IV, which represents the Asia-Pacific region.

The minister described the election as both an honor and a mandate, emphasizing that the international community has once again entrusted Indonesia with the task of contributing to global efforts in safeguarding intangible cultural heritages. He noted that this achievement reflects global confidence in Indonesia’s ability to collaborate with other nations to create a more sustainable and inclusive framework for managing and protecting world heritage. Additionally, Zon highlighted Indonesia’s rich cultural diversity and its role as a custodian of significant intangible cultural assets.

As a new committee member, Indonesia has outlined several priority agendas it aims to address during its tenure. These include the establishment of a UNESCO Center of Excellence, envisioned as a mega-laboratory focused on cultures, early human history, and civilizations in the Asia-Pacific region. The initiative seeks to bring together academics, local communities, cultural practitioners, and policymakers to work collaboratively on preservation efforts. Another key focus area involves leveraging digital innovation through the development of an inventory system, utilizing artificial intelligence, and implementing ethical data management practices.

The committee’s agenda also includes strengthening global collaboration through training programs, fellowships, joint missions, and knowledge exchange initiatives. Indonesia has pledged to actively participate in these efforts, aiming to enhance the effectiveness of international assistance for all member states. Furthermore, the country is committed to empowering local communities and ensuring the long-term sustainability of cultural heritage, including formulating policies on digital ethics and mitigating the impact of climate change on cultural traditions.

In addition to its participation in the UNESCO committee, Indonesia has shown interest in expanding its cultural partnerships, particularly with China. The Indonesian Ministry of Culture has explored potential cooperation with China State Construction International Holdings Limited (CSCI) to develop cultural infrastructure, including a center dedicated to traditional medicine. Culture Minister Fadli Zon emphasized that such collaborations could extend beyond infrastructure development to include efforts aimed at enhancing human resources related to cultural matters. CSCI Chairman Gao Bo suggested that understanding the cultural characteristics of local communities in construction areas would be essential for successful projects.

The election of Indonesia to the UNESCO committee was confirmed by the Indonesian Foreign Ministry, which noted that the country secured its seat during the 11th General Assembly of the States Parties to the 2003 Convention for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage held in Paris. The process was highly competitive, with four countries selected from six candidates in Group IV. Alongside Indonesia, Japan, the Philippines, and Cambodia were chosen. Indonesian Ambassador to France and Permanent Delegate to UNESCO, Mohamad Oemar, stressed that the achievement comes with a significant responsibility, requiring full dedication over the 2026-2030 period.

Indonesian Deputy Permanent Delegate to UNESCO, I Gusti Agung Ketut Satrya Wibawa, emphasized that Indonesia would leverage its strategic position on the committee to advocate for the interests of developing countries in the safeguarding of cultural heritage. The Intergovernmental Committee consists of 24 members elected from the 185 States Parties to the 2003 UNESCO Convention and holds crucial roles in evaluating and inscribing elements onto UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage Lists, as well as formulating global policy guidance for the protection of cultural heritage.

The Foreign Ministry attributed Indonesia’s success to extensive lobbying and diplomatic efforts by the Indonesian delegation, supported by numerous friendly countries. The confidence placed in Indonesia underscores the country’s unwavering commitment to the sustainable safeguarding of cultural heritage. With its renewed presence on the UNESCO committee, Indonesia is poised to play a pivotal role in shaping future policies and initiatives aimed at preserving and promoting the world’s intangible cultural heritages.