Indonesia, WIPO Discuss Protection of Traditional Knowledge

RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - Indonesian Minister of Culture Fadli Zon has called for stronger protection of Indonesia’s traditional knowledge and cultural expressions. He conveyed this during a meeting with World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) Director General Daren Tang in Geneva, Switzerland.

The meeting discussed cooperation between Indonesia and WIPO on protecting traditional knowledge and cultural expressions, including Communal Intellectual Property (KIK) and the use of culture-based intellectual property for community benefit.

“For Indonesia, protecting traditional knowledge and cultural expressions is a strategic priority. It relates to cultural identity, respect for indigenous peoples, the preservation of cultural heritage, and the equitable sharing of benefits,” Minister Fadli Zon said in a press statement on Sunday, September 20, 2026.

Indonesia currently has several legal frameworks governing copyright, patents, cultural promotion, and KIK. The government is urging the WIPO forum to adopt effective and binding international instruments to safeguard Indonesia’s traditional knowledge and cultural expressions.

Through the Directorate of Culture-Based IP Facilitation, the Ministry is expanding support for copyright, trademark, and KIK registration, as well as assistance for creators and communities.

The Ministry targets 200 copyright registrations and 150 trademark registrations in 2026. Meanwhile, the number of Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH) entries integrated into the National ICH Data Center is set to increase from 226 in 2025 to 250 in 2026.

Minister Fadli Zon stressed that ICH documentation must not follow a one-size-fits-all approach. Sacred, restricted, or secret traditional knowledge must be treated according to the unique characteristics of each community.

“Economic utilization must go hand in hand with cultural preservation. Culture-based IP must provide fair benefits to communities without eroding their values, identity, or rights,” he said.

WIPO Director General Daren Tang welcomed the initiative and said WIPO, together with the Ministry, would explore technical cooperation. This includes capacity building, strengthening the cultural IP database, governance, valuation, and culture-based commercialization that respects community rights.

The cooperation may also include collective branding, rights management, capacity building for local administrations and communities, and expanding market access for culture-based products. (Gusti Panji)