Wayang granted world heritage status

JAKARTA: The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) has declared that the country's main cultural puppet show or wayang has world heritage status.

"Giving the wayang world heritage status is an extraordinary cultural achievement that will boost Indonesia's image," the National Secretary of Indonesian Puppet Shows (Senawangi) Solikin said after a meeting with President Megawati Soekarnoputri on Wednesday.

According to Solikin, UNESCO announced the decision on Nov. 7, 2003 but the plaque of appreciation would be handed over to Indonesia during a special ceremony at the UNESCO headquarters in Paris on Apr. 21.

Senawangi, Solikin said, would send a group to perform wayang shows in several cities across Europe from Apr. 14 to 30.

By naming wayang a world masterpiece, UNESCO will provide funds to help develop and preserve the traditional puppet theater. -- JP