KBRN, Semarang: Central Java has contributed 57 intangible cultural heritage items to Indonesia’s national registry in 2025, the highest number of any province this year. The achievement underscores the region’s consistency in preserving traditions and cultural identity, according to Governor Ahmad Luthfi.

“Central Java received the most recognitions. We have always nguri‑uri (preserve) our culture,” Luthfi said after receiving the certificates at the Plaza Insan Berprestasi in Jakarta on Monday evening, December 15, 2025.

With a total of 215 intangible heritage items, Central Java now ranks second nationally, behind Yogyakarta Special Region, which holds 245.

Governor Luthfi emphasized that cultural preservation not only strengthens local identity but also supports the creative economy by elevating the value of heritage.

He urged districts across Central Java to safeguard traditions ranging from performing arts and oral traditions to culinary practices and local knowledge.

Among the newly recognized heritage items are Tembang Ilir‑ilir from Demak and Gendukan from Pekalongan.

Tembang Ilir‑ilir is a classic Javanese song attributed to Sunan Kalijaga, one of the revered Wali Songo, which carries deep spiritual and moral messages. The song has been proposed to UNESCO as a candidate for world intangible cultural heritage, with the submission process currently underway.

Gendukan, meanwhile, is a traditional ritual from Pekalongan involving communal offerings and prayers, symbolizing gratitude and harmony within society. Both were performed during the opening of the national Intangible Cultural Heritage Appreciation Night at Plaza Insan Berprestasi.

Minister of Culture Fadli Zon noted that since 2013, Indonesia has recognized 2,727 intangible heritage items, a figure he said remains far below the nation’s cultural potential.

He encouraged regional governments to be more proactive in submitting proposals, stressing that Indonesia’s vast diversity, from languages and oral traditions to manuscripts, rituals, traditional games, sports, local foods, and performing arts, should be documented and celebrated.

“Our cultural expressions are so diverse. They include language, literature, oral traditions, rituals, manuscripts, traditional games, local cuisine, customs, and the arts,” Minister Fadli said.

He added that building a sustainable ecosystem of cultural preservation would ensure Indonesia’s heritage gains global recognition. (Annaila Azzahra/Lasti Martina)