Indonesia and Neighboring Countries Propose Zapin Dance as UNESCO Cultural Heritage
Indonesia, together with Malaysia, Brunei Darussalam, and Singapore, has officially submitted the Zapin Dance to UNESCO. This submission aims to have the traditional dance recognized as a world Intangible Cultural Heritage.
Zapin Dance is a performing art with deep historical roots in the Nusantara region and the Malay Peninsula. This dance is typically accompanied by distinctive music and is often performed at various traditional events and cultural celebrations in these countries.
This collaborative step was taken to strengthen cultural preservation efforts in the Southeast Asia region. With recognition from UNESCO, it is hoped that the historical and artistic values within the Zapin Dance can be continuously maintained and recognized by the international community.
Beyond being a form of preservation, this inter-country cooperation is also considered a symbol of good relations in the regional area. The four countries are committed to continuing to promote their shared cultural heritage so that it is not lost to time.
The submission process is currently in the evaluation stage by UNESCO. The Indonesian government hopes that this world heritage status can be granted soon to support the protection of national culture for future generations.