Indonesia Rallies OIC Support for UNESCO Cultural Heritage Committee Bid

RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - Indonesia is intensifying its diplomatic efforts to secure a seat on UNESCO’s Intergovernmental Committee for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH) for the 2026–2030 term.

During his working visit to France, Minister of Culture Fadli Zon met with ambassadors and permanent delegates from member states of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) at UNESCO headquarters, accompanied by Indonesian Ambassador to France Mohamad Oemar.

“This meeting is an important opportunity to campaign for and solicit support of Indonesia’s candidacy for a seat on the Intergovernmental Committee for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage for the 2026–2030 term,” Minister Fadli said in a press release received in Jakarta on Sunday, April 26, 2026, as quoted by Antara.

In the discussion, Indonesia reaffirmed its commitment to playing a greater role in preserving intangible cultural heritage worldwide.

Minister Fadli emphasized the importance of community-based protection and expanding cooperation among OIC countries. “We affirm Indonesia’s readiness to contribute more actively to the preservation of the world’s intangible cultural heritage, including through strengthening community-based protection and expanding cooperation among OIC member countries,” he stated.

He also highlighted the government’s strategic move under President Prabowo Subianto to establish the Ministry of Culture as an independent entity. According to Minister Fadli, this policy demonstrates Indonesia’s seriousness in advancing the cultural sector and opens wider opportunities for strengthening bilateral cooperation with OIC countries.

Beyond the candidacy agenda, the meeting explored collective efforts to increase the visibility of Islamic art and culture on the global stage through UNESCO programs, including joint nominations and integrated preservation initiatives.

Minister Fadli stressed the importance of solidarity among Muslim countries, noting that culture should serve not only as heritage but also as a diplomatic bridge to strengthen relations and promote peace. “I hope this meeting will further strengthen solidarity and cooperation among OIC countries in safeguarding cultural heritage, while reaffirming Indonesia’s commitment to making culture a bridge of diplomacy, friendship, and global peace,” he said.

The meeting was attended by ambassadors and delegates from Palestine, Iran, Bangladesh, Malaysia, Uzbekistan, and Brunei Darussalam, underscoring the collective interest in advancing cultural diplomacy within the OIC framework. ***