RRI.CO.ID, Samarinda - The East Kalimantan Education and Culture Agency (Disdikbud) has announced that four local traditions have passed the national assessment session to be designated as national Intangible Cultural Heritage (WBTB) by the Indonesian Ministry of Culture.

Selected from a total of 33 submissions made by the province in 2026, the four approved cultural works encompass a variety of regional traditions. These newly recognized heritage items include Anjat craftsmanship from West Kutai Regency and Petep music from Penajam Paser Utara Regency.

Additionally, the list features the Belian Kutai customary ritual from East Kutai Regency, as well as the Sandiwara Mamanda (Sandima) performing art from Samarinda City.

The remaining 29 proposed cultural items are currently undergoing document verification, including historical reviews to confirm that the traditions have been practiced for at least 50 years, before field validation by central government experts.

With the addition of these four traditions, East Kalimantan’s total recognized national Intangible Cultural Heritage inventory rises from 67 to 71 items. Regional authorities aim to leverage these cultural milestones to support educational tourism and maintain the province's top three standing in the national Cultural Development Index.

The East Kalimantan Provincial Administration highlighted that securing national heritage designation is essential for safeguarding regional identity against rapid modernization while expanding cultural tourism opportunities across Benua Etam.

Cultural Officer at the East Kalimantan Disdikbud, Lucia Dyah Prasetyarini, emphasized the strategic importance of protecting local traditions and fostering community engagement.

"Out of a total of 33 proposals in 2026, four cultural works have passed the review session at the Ministry of Culture, the remaining 29 proposals are currently in the document verification stage to be processed by the Ministry of Culture", Lucia said in Samarinda on Wednesday, July 29, 2026, as quoted by Antara.

Lucia added that official recognition serves both protective and promotional purposes for the region.

"This national Intangible Cultural Heritage designation effort aims to protect heritage so that all of the region's valuable traditions do not become extinct, eroded by the passage of time, we will intensify ongoing public outreach so that the general public becomes more familiar with and actively involved in preserving all of these cultural heritage legacies," Lucia explained. ***