Indonesia Elected to UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage Committee for 2026-2030

Indonesia has been elected as a member of the UNESCO Intergovernmental Committee for the Safeguarding of Intangible Cultural Heritage for the 2026-2030 period. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Kemlu) stated that Indonesia was elected during the 11th General Assembly of States Parties to the 2003 Convention in Paris, representing the Asia-Pacific Group IV alongside Japan, the Philippines, and Cambodia from a field of six candidates. Indonesia’s Ambassador to France and Permanent Delegate to UNESCO, Mohamad Oemar, conveyed that this task is a mandate for Indonesia which will be carried out with full responsibility. He said that within the committee, Indonesia will guide global cultural protection policies, strengthen the implementation of the 2003 Convention, and enhance the capacity of local communities. Deputy Permanent Delegate of Indonesia to UNESCO, I Gusti Agung Ketut Satrya Wibawa, added that Indonesia’s position on the committee will be utilised to champion the interests of developing countries in the preservation of cultural heritage. The UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage Committee is a body comprising 24 countries out of a total of 185 States Parties to the 2003 Convention, which governs the global safeguarding of intangible cultural heritage. This committee is tasked with evaluating and inscribing cultural elements onto the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage List and formulating policy guidelines for cultural preservation at the international level. With Indonesia’s inclusion in the committee, the government is committed to safeguarding cultural heritage.