RI Elected to be UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage Committee for 2026–2030

RRI.CO.ID, Paris – Indonesia has been elected as a member of UNESCO's Intergovernmental Committee for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage for the 2026–2030 term. The decision was made during the 11th General Assembly of the States Parties to the 2003 Convention for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage at UNESCO Headquarters in Paris, France, on Wednesday, June 17, 2026.

According to a statement from the Indonesian Embassy in Paris received in Jakarta on Thursday, June 18, 2026, Indonesia secured its seat following a highly competitive election process within Group IV (Asia-Pacific). “Of the six candidate countries competing, four were elected to the committee: Indonesia, Japan, the Philippines, and Cambodia,” the embassy said.

The Embassy of the Republic of Indonesia (KBRI) in Paris stated that the achievement was the result of intensive diplomatic efforts carried out by the Indonesian Delegation in Paris, relevant ministries and agencies in Indonesia, as well as Indonesian missions abroad, with strong support from friendly countries.

Indonesian Ambassador to France and Permanent Delegate to UNESCO, Mohamad Oemar, said the trust placed in Indonesia represents a significant responsibility. According to him, during its 2026–2030 membership term, Indonesia is committed to helping shape global cultural protection policies, promoting a more inclusive implementation of the 2003 Convention, and strengthening the capacity of local communities as the primary custodians of cultural heritage.

"This trust is a great responsibility that we will carry out with full dedication," Oemar said in the statement.

Meanwhile, Indonesia's Deputy Permanent Delegate to UNESCO, I Gusti Agung Ketut Satrya Wibawa, said Indonesia would use its position on the committee to advance the interests of developing countries in safeguarding cultural heritage.

The Intergovernmental Committee for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage is an exclusive body comprising 24 member states out of the 185 countries that are party to UNESCO's 2003 Convention. The committee is tasked with evaluating and approving nominations for inscription on UNESCO's Intangible Cultural Heritage Lists, as well as formulating global cultural preservation policy guidelines.

Through its membership on the committee, Indonesia aims to strengthen its contribution to safeguarding the world's cultural heritage while promoting culture as a key pillar of solidarity, peace, and sustainable development.