Indonesia wins 113 votes, joins UNESCO heritage committee
Indonesia returns to the body after 12 years for the 2026–2030 term, representing Asia-Pacific.
Indonesia was elected to the UNESCO Committee for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage for the 2026–2030 term after winning 113 votes from member states. In Group IV for the Asia-Pacific region, Indonesia was elected alongside Japan, which won 117 votes, the Philippines with 106 votes, and Cambodia with 97 votes. Culture Minister Fadli Zon called the seat renewed international trust in Indonesia, which last served on the committee in 2010–2014. For the new term, Indonesia is preparing eight priorities, including establishing a UNESCO Center of Excellence in Asia-Pacific, developing digital inventories, using AI for documentation, strengthening global cooperation, and protecting traditions at risk of extinction.