RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - Indonesia’s growing list of UNESCO recognitions reflects the country's expanding contribution to education, culture, science, communication, and information on the global stage. The achievements are expected to further strengthen Indonesia’s role in promoting international cooperation through knowledge and cultural diplomacy.

Minister of Primary and Secondary Education Abdul Mu’ti, made the remarks during the signing ceremony for the handover of the Secretariat of the Indonesian National Commission for UNESCO (KNIU) from the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education to the Ministry of Culture in Jakarta on Monday, 6 July 2026.

He saaid Indonesia has earned a number of prestigious UNESCO recognitions in the field of culture, ranging from World Heritage Sites to Intangible Cultural Heritage inscriptions and Creative Cities. “In the field of culture, Indonesia has successfully registered six UNESCO World Heritage Sites, 16 elements on UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage List, and seven cities that are part of the UNESCO Creative Cities Network,” he said.

He added that Indonesia has also made significant progress in the field of science through the international recognition of its natural heritage and conservation areas. According to the minister, Indonesia is home to four Natural World Heritage Sites, 12 UNESCO Global Geoparks, and 21 UNESCO Biosphere Reserves, including Wakatobi National Park, which reflects the country's rich natural heritage and commitment to environmental conservation.

In the field of communication and information, Indonesia has also received international recognition for its documentary heritage. “Indonesia has successfully inscribed 16 entries on UNESCO’s Memory of the World Register, including the letters of R.A. Kartini, which hold significant value in the history of human civilization,” Abdul Mu’ti said.

He noted that these achievements demonstrate Indonesia’s growing contribution to UNESCO’s programs across multiple sectors. They also provide a solid foundation for strengthening the country’s role in advancing peace and international cooperation.

Abdul Mu’ti emphasized that the transfer of the KNIU Secretariat would not diminish the government’s commitment to supporting UNESCO’s programs, particularly in education. “What has changed is only the administrative management, while the spirit and commitment to enhancing Indonesia’s role in promoting world peace remain unchanged,” he said.

During the ceremony, the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education officially handed over the KNIU Secretariat, along with its assets, documents, and institutional administration, to the Ministry of Culture. The government expects the transition to reinforce collaboration among ministries and stakeholders, enabling Indonesia to play an even greater role and make a more meaningful contribution within UNESCO in the years ahead.