Undocumented, Menbud Fadli Zon Regrets Many Cultural Heritage Lost Traces

Minister of Culture Fadli Zon (Doc. Kemenbud)

JAKARTA Many cultural heritages cannot be designated as National Cultural Conservation due to the lack of supporting data. This was conveyed by the Minister of Culture Fadli Zon while at the same time warning that thousands of Indonesian cultural objects were threatened with disappearing just because they were not properly documented.

"Don't let our cultural heritage go away just because the documentation is incomplete. Photos, videos, notes, and chronology must exist. This must be a priority," said Fadli at the Preparation Meeting for the Determination of Indonesian Cultural Heritage and Cultural Heritage, Wednesday (23/4), at the Hotel Crystal, Jakarta.

In the forum, Minister of Culture Fadli Zon highlighted the importance of a neat and structured cultural heritage recording system, both physically and digitally. According to him, weak documentation is often the main obstacle in determining cultural status, both at the national and international levels.

He said, until now Indonesia has recorded 49,642 suspected Cultural Heritage Objects (ODCB), but only 228 have been designated as National Cultural Heritage (CBN). Beyond that, 2,213 Intangible Cultural Heritage (WBTb) have been identified, as well as 10 sites that are included in the World Heritage list, consisting of 6 cultural sites and 4 natural sites. Of the total WBTb, only 16 of them have been successfully described by UNESCO.

These figures, according to Fadli, do not fully reflect Indonesia's extraordinary cultural wealth. He emphasized that without good records and filings, many cultural heritages would be neglected and at risk of being lost without a trace.

Although this figure seems large, Fadli said it does not reflect the true diversity of Indonesian culture. Weak documentation is the main obstacle.

"We are a mega-diversity country. Our culture stretches from Aceh to Papua. But there are still many that have not been recorded, let alone are well archived," said Fadli in a written statement received Thursday, April 24.

Fadli requested that the team of experts involved in the process of cultural determination can be a pioneer in the cross-science and innovative approach. He encourages the use of digital technology, community involvement, and creative narrative as new conservation methods.

He also encourages the digitization of cultural site maps and data disclosure for the public. Cultural conservation cannot rely solely on archaeologists or historians. We need cross-disciplinary collaboration, including conservators, anthropologists, cultural economists, and technology. Cultural heritage must be a strategic asset of the nation," concluded Culture Minister Fadli Zon.