DKI Jakarta's local wisdom, Dangdut, and Gamelan Ajeng have been recognized as Indonesian Intangible Cultural Heritage (WBTb) in 2023 by the Ministry of Education, Culture, Research and Technology of the Republic of Indonesia (Kemdikbudristek RI).

Jakarta Cultural Department Head, Iwan Henry Wardhana, said the determination is a milestone for Jakarta Province and strengthens the commitment to preserving the existing cultural wealth.

"The Cultural Department has an important role in maintaining and preserving DKI Jakarta's cultural wealth for future generations. We accept this award with pride as a recognition of our efforts and dedication in preserving our priceless cultural heritage," he said in a written statement, Saturday (2/9) night.

Iwan explained the announcement of Dangdut and Gamelan Ajeng as the Indonesian WBTb Expert Team officially announced Intangible Cultural Heritage on Thursday (31/8).

"The determination was made after going through the stages of the 2023 WBTb Session which took place from August 28 to 31, 2023," he explained.

He added the establishment of Dangdut and Gamelan Ajeng as WBTb was a brilliant achievement for Jakarta Province.

"From 2013 to 2023, Jakarta Province through the Cultural Department has succeeded in obtaining the determination of WBTb as many as 77 cultural works from the Indonesian Ministry of Education, Culture and Research," he explained.

Meanwhile, Director General of Culture Hilmar Fariz hoped that with this designation, all local governments in Indonesia will make WBTb as part of the curriculum in schools.

"This will provide space for the younger generation to recognize and love the rich cultural heritage in Indonesia," he said.

For information, the announcement event was attended by important figures in the world of culture, such as the Director General of Culture of the Ministry of Education, Culture, Research and Technology of the Republic of Indonesia, Hilmar Fariz; Director of Cultural Protection, Yudi Wahjudin; Head of the DKI Jakarta Cultural Department, Iwan Henry Wardhana; as well as representatives from 31 provinces in Indonesia.

Source: beritajakarta.id