Jakarta, INTI - Indonesia has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening UNESCO’s role in sustainable development, cultural preservation, digital transformation, and inclusive organizational governance at the 225th session of the UNESCO Executive Board in Paris, France.
The session, attended by 58 member states of the Executive Board, including Indonesia, addressed member states’ perspectives on several strategic global issues during its opening day.
Culture, Climate Change, and the Challenges of Artificial Intelligence
During the discussions, Indonesia’s Deputy Permanent Delegate to UNESCO, IGAK Satrya Wibawa, emphasized the need for UNESCO to move beyond policy commitments toward practical implementation through technical assistance, capacity building, funding, and knowledge exchange, particularly for developing countries.
Indonesia highlighted two major challenges: climate change and artificial intelligence (AI).
“As an archipelagic country with more than 17,000 islands and 16 elements of intangible cultural heritage inscribed by UNESCO, Indonesia understands that cultural protection requires climate-resilient policies that place communities at the center,” Satrya said in a written statement received by MetroTVNews.com on Tuesday, October 13, 2026.
Indonesia also noted that AI is transforming how culture is created, preserved, and disseminated, while raising concerns about cultural diversity, authenticity, intellectual property, and creators’ rights.
“AI must serve culture, not redefine cultural identities without the participation of the communities that own them,” Satrya emphasized.
Transforming Museums and Preserving Living Cultural Heritage
During discussions on UNESCO’s Museum Programme Strategy for 2027–2029, Indonesia supported the development of museums as institutions for learning, community engagement, and cultural sustainability.
Indonesia encouraged the use of digital technologies and AI to create interactive museum experiences that remain relevant to younger generations, alongside stronger capacity-building support for developing countries.
Indonesia also highlighted the concept of the living museum, recognizing that many local traditions and knowledge systems across the Global South remain actively practiced by communities.
In discussions on the relationship between culture and nature, Indonesia cited Bali’s Subak irrigation system and the Sasi customary practice in coastal communities as examples of how traditional knowledge can support environmental conservation and sustainable livelihoods.
“Preserving cultural heritage is not only about protecting monuments or historical objects, but also about ensuring that living traditions, local knowledge, and cultural practices continue to be passed down to future generations,” Satrya said.
Indonesia Calls for Stronger Asia-Pacific Representation and Gender Equality at UNESCO
Beyond cultural issues, Indonesia emphasized the importance of equitable geographical representation and gender balance within UNESCO’s organizational structure.
Indonesian diplomat responsible for UNESCO affairs, Sasi Hemawardhani, welcomed improvements in geographical representation and gender balance. However, Indonesia noted that Asia-Pacific representation still needs strengthening, as the progress achieved remains insufficiently consolidated.
“Indonesia advocates more targeted recruitment strategies for underrepresented and non-represented countries, while continuing to uphold the principle of meritocracy,” Sasi emphasized.
Indonesia also stressed the importance of transparency when updating geographical quotas in response to changes in UNESCO membership. In line with its commitment to inclusive governance, Indonesia supported greater female representation in senior positions and expressed support for the relevant draft decision.
According to UNESCO data from June 2024, 81% of member states were represented in its staffing structure under the geographical distribution system, below the target of 85%.
During the same period, Asia-Pacific representation in geographically distributed positions at Director level and above stood at 17%, or 11 out of 63 officials. In terms of gender equality, women held 44% of Director-level and higher positions, up from 41% in July 2023.
At the management level, women's representation reached 43%. These figures demonstrate progress while highlighting the continued importance of equitable geographical representation and gender balance in UNESCO’s leadership.
Through these interventions, Indonesia reaffirmed that UNESCO’s effectiveness depends not only on the policies it develops, but also on measurable implementation, equitable benefits for member states, and fairer representation across the organization.
Conclusion
Indonesia has called on UNESCO to strengthen AI governance, protect cultural heritage, and promote inclusive development. By emphasizing community participation, climate resilience, digital innovation, and fair geographical and gender representation, Indonesia seeks to ensure that technological progress supports cultural diversity and sustainable development.
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