Jakarta, April 25, 2026 – The Europe Today: Indonesia has formally nominated itself for a seat on the UNESCO Intergovernmental Committee for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage for the 2026–2030 term, aiming to enhance its role in global cultural diplomacy, officials said.
The nomination was presented during the 224th session of UNESCO’s Executive Board in Paris on Thursday, as part of Jakarta’s broader efforts to expand its influence in shaping international cultural policy.
Minister of Culture Fadli Zon outlined Indonesia’s vision under the theme “Living Heritage, Shared Future” before approximately 300 delegates representing member states and the UNESCO secretariat. He underscored Indonesia’s commitment to strengthening community-based safeguarding of intangible cultural heritage, fostering equitable international cooperation, and improving access to global support mechanisms for developing nations.
As part of its cultural diplomacy initiative, Indonesia showcased traditional performances including the Pendet dance and gamelan music. The Pendet dance is recognized under the “Three Genres of Traditional Balinese Dance,” inscribed on UNESCO’s intangible cultural heritage list in 2015, while gamelan music was added to the list in 2021.
Indonesia also proposed the establishment of an Asia-Pacific Center for Community-Based Safeguarding of Intangible Cultural Heritage as a UNESCO Category 2 centre to be hosted in the country. The proposed institution aims to strengthen regional capacity in cultural preservation, facilitate knowledge exchange, and promote cross-border collaboration.
Officials described the nomination as a strategic opportunity to reinforce Indonesia’s position in shaping global cultural frameworks while mobilizing support among UNESCO member states.
The Indonesian delegation included Director General for Cultural Diplomacy, Promotion and Cooperation Endah T.D. Retnoastuti, Director of Diplomacy Raden Usman Effendi, and Head of Museums and Cultural Heritage Esti Nurjadin.
Authorities noted that active engagement in UNESCO forums would be crucial in bolstering Indonesia’s candidacy and advancing its role in multilateral cultural cooperation. The government affirmed that it will continue diplomatic outreach to secure broader international backing ahead of the election process.
Indonesia has increasingly leveraged cultural diplomacy to promote its rich heritage globally while advocating inclusive and community-driven approaches to cultural preservation.
