Indonesia Proposes Zapin for UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage List

RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - Indonesia has proposed Zapin for inscription on the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity list through a multinational nomination with Malaysia, Singapore, and Brunei Darussalam for 2027. Minister of Culture Fadli Zon, made the statement during a media briefing on the proposed inscription of Zapin as Intangible Cultural Heritage in Jakarta on Tuesday, September 29, 2026.

Fadli said the proposal is part of efforts to strengthen Indonesia’s cultural cooperation with Southeast Asian countries. He said the initiative follows previous cooperation through the joint nomination of kebaya involving Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, and Brunei Darussalam.

“For the second time, perhaps, we can come together with artists, cultural figures, and communities in our neighboring countries in Southeast Asia, particularly Malaysia, Singapore, and also Brunei Darussalam,” Fadli said. “Now, for 2027, we are proposing Zapin as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity of UNESCO,” he said.

He explained that Zapin is a cultural heritage that developed through encounters, migration, cultural exchanges, and acculturation among communities across Southeast Asia. These processes have resulted in diverse forms and distinctive characteristics of Zapin in different countries and regions, while continuing to reflect cultural connections across the region.

Meanwhile, Director General for Cultural Diplomacy, Promotion and Cooperation at the Ministry of Culture, Endah Tjahjani Dwirini Retno Astuti, conveyed Zapin has various names and forms in different parts of Indonesia. She explained that the tradition is not limited to dance, but also encompasses music, songs, as well as cultural knowledge and practices passed down from generation to generation.

“In Indonesia, this dance itself has many names. For example, Japin in Java and Betawi, Jepin in Kalimantan, Badana in Lampung, and Jipeng in Sulawesi,” Endah said. She added that the diversity demonstrates the broad range of cultural expressions associated with the Zapin tradition in Indonesia.

She also said the proposal to inscribe Zapin as UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage also aims to strengthen cultural cooperation at the regional level. She said the Zapin tradition can contribute to fostering ties among Southeast Asian nations with interconnected historical and cultural backgrounds.

In addition to strengthening regional cooperation, the proposal is expected to support the protection, transmission, documentation, and continuity of the Zapin tradition within communities for future generations. Endah also said Zapin is expected to serve as a symbol of unity among the nations of Southeast Asia.