South Kalimantan Proposes 100 Intangible Cultural Heritage Works

The South Kalimantan Provincial Government will propose 100 cultural works spread across 13 regencies and cities to become Indonesia’s Intangible Cultural Heritage (WBTb), in a bid to preserve regional culture.

This was stated by Raudati Hildayati, Head of the Culture Section of the South Kalimantan Provincial Education and Culture Office, on Friday (6 March).

‘Kalsel continues to strengthen efforts to safeguard regional culture. In 2026, Kalsel targets 100 cultural works to be proposed as Warisan Budaya Takbenda (WBTb),’ she said.

So far, the Kalsel Dikbud team is mapping around 112 regional cultural works that will be proposed as Indonesia’s Intangible Cultural Heritage (WBTb). This move aims to strengthen protection and recognition of regional cultural works at the national level.

Raudati noted that in the mapping process they are engaging cultural consultants from various universities, including Lambung Mangkurat University (ULM). The involvement of academics from performing arts, history, sociology, and anthropology aims to strengthen scientific analysis as a key prerequisite for proposing WBTb.

There are various field challenges, including the availability of written research materials that meet the description aspects in accordance with the WBTb submission guidelines. In addition, the Department will intervene in 72 cultural works previously proposed but not yet meeting the requirements.

Furthermore, they will issue a Circular Letter from the Governor of Kalsel to local governments in 13 regencies/cities, so that each submits 10 cultural works. The Kalsel Education and Culture Office aims to complete the mapping process by 5 March 2026. Meanwhile, the designation of Indonesia’s Intangible Cultural Heritage (WBTb) is scheduled for 10 March 2026.

As of the end of 2024, the number of Indonesia’s Intangible Cultural Heritage (WBTb) originating from South Kalimantan Province reached 46 cultural works. These include the culinary Ketupat Kandangan from Hulu Sungai Selatan; traditional craftsmanship such as boat-building (pembuatan jukung); customary practices and rituals such as Mesiwah Pare Gumboh from Balangan Regency, Kalangkang Mantit, Batimung; and crafts such as Kupiah Jangang from Tapin Regency and Sasirangan cloth. (E-2)

Gending Ancag-Ancagan from Banjar Ceramcam, Kesiman, and Baris Gede Telek from Sanur have been officially designated as Indonesia’s Intangible Cultural Heritage (WBTb) at the National level