September 27, 2025 | 02:35 pm
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - UNESCO and the Temasek Foundation have launched the regional initiative "Embracing Shared Cultural Heritage Through Performing Arts" to enhance cross-cultural understanding in Indonesia, Malaysia, and Singapore. This program, which will run until 2027, creates opportunities for artists and students to collaborate, learn, and create together.
The program was inaugurated with workshops and a contemporary performance called Dulkir, inspired by the rare Gendruwo Liri from Reog Wayang Bantul (Indonesian puppet) from Yogyakarta. The event took place at the UNESCO Regional Office in Jakarta on Thursday, September 25, 2025.
The virtual workshop was attended by over 300 participants from the three countries, including traditional artists, arts managers, students, cultural heritage practitioners, and government representatives. This reflects the enthusiasm of art practitioners to collaborate. Participants believe this initiative has the potential to bridge differences, stimulate creativity, and strengthen Southeast Asia's position on the world stage.
"Throughout history, humans have traveled, exchanged ideas, and inspired each other. Every country takes pride in its identity and traditional performing arts. However, through dialogue and exchange, creativity continues to evolve. In turn, this ensures that tradition remains alive and relevant," said Maki Katsuno-Hayashikawa, Director of the UNESCO Regional Office in Jakarta, in a statement received by Tempo.
This program aims to build a stronger network, facilitate collaboration, and ensure that cultural heritage in Southeast Asia continues to evolve and remain relevant in the modern era. "Celebrating shared cultural heritage in Southeast Asia is important for fostering harmony in diversity. Through cross-border art collaborations, this partnership between UNESCO and the Temasek Foundation fosters intercultural appreciation, builds bridges between communities, and enhances the resilience of the region," said James Chan, Senior Director (Programmes) of Temasek Foundation.
Bagus Mazasupa, a composer and pianist who has previously been part of Sawung Jabo's Circus Barock, hopes this program will deepen society's understanding of music. "Music is universal, transcending its style and origin, and is owned by all human beings. By embracing shared heritage through music, we can cultivate cross-cultural understanding and appreciation," he said.
In the future, this program will not only hone professional skills but also encourage artists to reinterpret tradition in contemporary forms, ensuring that cultural heritage and arts remain relevant to younger generations.
UNESCO and the Temasek Foundation will organize a series of capacity-building workshops, cultural exchanges, and collaborations. The culmination of the project will be a festival in Yogyakarta, showcasing collaborative performances that celebrate the shared cultural heritage of Southeast Asia.
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