Cultural protection 'must engage public'

The Jakarta Post, Jakarta

Noted traditional artists said the government should further involve the public in preserving Indonesia's vast cultural heritage because its existence very much depends on the nation's people.

A traditional trans-gender dancer, Didik Hadiprayitno, or Didik Nini Thowok, said besides action taken by the government, public involvement was one of the most important measures to protect Indonesia's heritage.

"The next step the government should take after (making an inventory of) traditional culture is to hold an effective (public) campaign (with) artists and cultural experts," Didik said.

The government could compile cultural traditions and products found during the stock-take process so the public would better recognize and understand their own traditional heritage, he said.

"Through this, the government doesn't only promote the county's heritage but also holds a cultural campaign and preserves it at the same time.

"So it won't only be an act of cultural trace, whose products are later kept on an office shelf," Didik said.

The Cultural and Tourism Ministry and the Justice and Human Rights Ministry signed a memorandum of understanding last week covering the protection and development of the country's cultural heritage, as well as the protection of intellectual property rights on cultural heritage.

The memorandum was a response from the government because of further recent challenges to Indonesia's claims to its heritage and folklore.

Malaysia has made claims to the Rasa Sayange traditional folk song and several batik designs, as well as the angklung (bamboo musical instrument).

Traditional music composer Djaduk Ferianto said implementing the memorandum was crucial.

"As the art and culture were the results of people's movement and activities, their protection must involve those who are actively engaged in the sector," Djaduk said.

"We must also go through persuasive efforts to protect the cultural heritage.

"Holding a two-way communication between the public and the government can be a good start," Djaduk said.

Indonesian's well-known filmmaker Garin Nugroho said the government should first list regions prone to the cultural claim from other parties, especially those related to intellectual property rights.

"The government lacks an understanding of this new global trend," Garin said.

"Before involving the public in preserving the heritage, the government must first be skilled with issues around intellectual property rights.

"Then they can invite artists, cultural experts and the general people to act," he said.

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