Indonesia Elected to UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage Committee

Indonesia has been elected as a member of the UNESCO Intergovernmental Committee for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage for the 2026-2030 period. Indonesia was chosen through a rigorous election process in Electoral Group IV, the Asia-Pacific region.

According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs website on Thursday (18/6/2026), the decision was made during the 11th General Assembly of States Parties to the 2003 Convention for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage at UNESCO Headquarters in Paris. Four countries were elected from a total of six competing candidates.

Besides Indonesia, the other countries elected from Group IV are Japan, the Philippines, and Cambodia. The Foreign Ministry stated that Indonesia’s election was the result of intensive diplomacy by the Indonesian delegation both in Paris and at headquarters.

“This victory is thanks to intensive lobbying and diplomacy by the Delegation of the Republic of Indonesia, both in Paris and at headquarters, as well as all relevant representatives and the full support of numerous friendly nations. This international trust is tangible proof of the national commitment to preserving culture sustainably,” the ministry wrote.

The Indonesian Ambassador to Paris and Permanent Delegate to UNESCO, Mohamad Oemar, stated that this victory represents a significant mandate that will be carried out with full dedication. Oemar emphasised that during the 2026-2030 period, Indonesia will oversee global policies on cultural protection, promote a more inclusive implementation of the 2003 Convention, and prioritise strengthening the capacity of local communities.

Echoing Oemar, the Deputy Permanent Delegate of Indonesia to UNESCO, I Gusti Agung Ketut Satrya Wibawa, added that this strategic position on the Committee will be optimised to champion the interests of developing countries in cultural heritage preservation.

The Intangible Cultural Heritage Committee is an exclusive body comprising 24 countries out of the total 185 States Parties to the 2003 UNESCO Convention. The Committee holds strategic responsibilities, including evaluating and inscribing intangible cultural heritage elements onto the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage List, as well as formulating global cultural preservation policy guidelines.