Indonesia Campaigns for Seat on UNESCO Heritage Committee

RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - Indonesia has intensified diplomatic efforts to secure support for its candidacy to the Intergovernmental Committee of the 2003 UNESCO Convention for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage for the 2026–2030 term. The campaign was highlighted during a diplomatic reception hosted by the Ministry of Culture in Jakarta on Thursday, 12 June 2026, and attended by ambassadors and representatives of partner nations.

The Intergovernmental Committee serves as the executive body responsible for overseeing the implementation of the UNESCO convention. Its responsibilities include promoting the convention’s objectives, reviewing nominations for intangible cultural heritage inscriptions, and developing operational guidelines for member states.

Speaking at the event, Vice Minister of Culture, Giring Ganesha Djumaryo, presented Indonesia’s candidacy vision under the theme “Living Heritage, Shared Future.” He affirmed that communities must remain at the center of efforts to safeguard intangible cultural heritage.

“Safeguarding intangible cultural heritage must begin with communities. Cultural heritage remains alive because communities practice it, transmit it, adapt it, and make it part of their identity,” he said.

If elected, Indonesia plans to contribute through four key priorities, including the establishment of regional centers of excellence for heritage protection and digital documentation. The country also aims to promote responsible use of technology to support the preservation and transmission of living cultural traditions.

Another priority focuses on strengthening South-South and triangular cooperation through training programs, scholarships, and joint safeguarding initiatives. Indonesia also advocates for more equitable and transparent funding mechanisms to improve access to international assistance for Least Developed Countries (LDCs) and Small Island Developing States (SIDS).

The election for committee members will take place during the General Assembly of the 2003 UNESCO Convention in Paris on 17-18 June. According to the Ministry of Culture, Indonesia has so far secured support from 58 UNESCO member states, including 55 written endorsements and three verbal commitments.

The government said its candidacy reflects a broader commitment to fostering international cooperation in cultural preservation. “Indonesia is ready to serve as a regional bridge between regions, a partner in capacity-building, and a committed steward of the world's living cultural heritage,” Giring said.