Indonesia pledges active role in WIPO cultural heritage negotiations

Indonesian Culture Minister Fadli Zon has expressed Indonesia's readiness to play an active role in World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) negotiations. Speaking at the 53rd meeting of the WIPO Intergovernmental Committee on Intellectual Property and Genetic Resources, Traditional Knowledge and Folklore in Geneva, Zon stated that Indonesia is prepared to share national experiences regarding the documentation, protection, and intergenerational transmission of cultural heritage.

Zon emphasized that traditional knowledge and cultural expressions are more than just intellectual property; they represent the identity, history, and collective memory of communities. He argued that protection frameworks must recognize local communities as the primary owners and guardians of their heritage to ensure benefits return to them.

The commitment to cultural diplomacy is supported by the recent establishment of a standalone Ministry of Culture under President Prabowo Subianto. As of late 2025, Indonesia has designated 2,727 items of Intangible Cultural Heritage, ranging from the Saman Dance to various weaving and musical traditions.