Regional Seminar on Intangible Cultural Heritage and the Diversity of Cultural Expressions held in Jakarta, 5-6 October 2011

The “Regional Seminar on the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage and Diversity of Cultural Expressions” was held in the Redtop Hotel, Jakarta, Indonesia, from 5-6 October 2011. The seminar was organised by the Department of Cultural Values, Arts and Film and aimed to create a forum where the 2003 Convention for the Safeguarding of Intangible Cultural Heritage and 2005 Convention on the Protection and Promotion of the Diversity of Cultural Expressions, could be discussed.

Over 100 people attended the opening ceremony including representatives from the Department of Cultural Values, Arts and Film as well as participants from throughout Asia and Australia. The Director General of the Department of Cultural Values, Arts and Film, Dr. Ukus Kuswara, welcomed the attendees in his opening speech, encouraging dialogue and communication throughout the seminar in order to create strong relations between the participating countries.

After the speech from Dr. Ukus Kuswara, Prof Hubert J. Gijzen, the Director and representative for the UNESCO Office in Jakarta, spoke about the fragile nature of intangible cultural heritage and how it is an important factor in intercultural dialogue and a shared mutual respect between nations. He also spoke about the UNESCO 2003 and 2005 Conventions, emphasising their importance.

Prof Gijzen concluded that despite the growing regional focus on cultural industries and cultural tourism, only 10% of countries in the Asia-Pacific region have ratified the 2005 Convention. Prof Gijzen encouraged those countries that haven’t ratified the 2005 Convention to do so in order to preserve and promote their cultural diversity.

The seminar will come to an end on the 6th October and will feature presentations about the 2003 and 2005 Conventions, Intangible Cultural Heritage and Intellectual Property Rights and various open discussions. The final activity will involve a cultural visit to Taman Mini in Jakarta.

Download Opening Speech from the Director of UNESCO Office, Jakarta, Prof. Hubert Gijzen at the “The Regional Seminar on the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage and Diversity of Cultural Expressions” Opening Ceremony here

• 10-10-2011