Three Indonesian Cultural Assets Applied to UNESCO

The Cultural and Tourism Resources Agency (BSDKP) of the Culture and Tourism Ministry said three Indonesian cultural heritages will be forwarded to Unesco in 2011 for nomination as world cultural heritages. "The three Indonesian cultural heritages are the Bali traditional dance, Noken and the Beautiful Indonesia in Miniature (TMII)," Director for Research and Cultural Development of the Cultural and Tourism Resources Agency of the Cultural and Tourism Ministry Harry Waluyo said here Sunday. He said the choice of the three cultural heritages was because they reflected Indonesia’s geographical representation as culture has been concentrated in Java Island only. This can be proven by the recognition of the Angklung (bamboo musical instruments) as the world’s cultural heritage from Indonesia by Unesco in 2010.

"So, after West Java, the choice of forwarding Indonesian culture to Unesco was switched to culture outside Java island, namely Bali and Papua," Harry said. Harry said there are nine regencies/cities of Balinese dances in Bali. But Harry cannot reveal the names of the Balinese dances. While Noken had been chosen because it has become a special icon of the people of Papua. Noken or Agiya is an instrument normally used by women in Papua’s interior to sing a lullaby for their babies, keep pigs, tubers, vegetables and clothes.

Noken is made of special wood which does not break easily, like rattan or material from trees. Noken is gradually developed in its production with the passage of time. After it is woven, Noken is given different colors and became very attractive. Noken is normally found at traditional markets in Papua and can be obtained at Rp 15,000 to Rp 100,000 a piece.

"And the TMII had been chosen because it will be made a model of cultural arrangement by other countries," Harry said. Right now the entire process of the application is being taken care of by his side, according to Unesco not later than March 31, 2011. He said besides the three to be forwarded to Unesco, in 2011 the Saman dance will also be declared an Indonesian world heritage.

[Source : Kompas]