Introduction to the Practical Handbook for Inventory of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Indonesia“, with a focus on Papua

Harry Waluyo

This topic related to the objective of this conference as mentioned on the guidebook of this conference is to strengthen the protection, conservation, and promotion of Papuan cultural heritage in all its forms, tangible and intangible.

After publishing a Practical Handbook for ICH in cooperation with UNESCO Office Jakarta last year, the Ministry of Culture and Tourism of the Republic of Indonesia has been inventorying intangible cultural heritage (ICH) included elements of Papuan ICH.

Until now, Indonesian culture that has been inscribed by UNESCO as Representative List of Humanities consists of Indonesian Puppet Theatre, Indonesian Keris and Indonesian Batik. In 2009, Indonesian Angklung has been proposed to be inscribed as Representative List of Humanities by UNESCO. I do hope Indonesian Angklung will be announced as Representative List of Humanity on 5th Session of the Intergovernmental Committee in Nairobi, Kenya. In 2010. Saman Dance from Aceh Province also has been proposed to be nominated in the list of Urgent Safeguarding. Next year, we have planned to propose "Noken" as one of cultural elements in Papua to be nominated in the list of ICH of UNESCO. Noken is a container made of tree fibers. There was also Noken made of orchids flower. Noken is multi-function container and almost found in all ethnic groups in Papua.