Wayang granted world heritage status

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