Recreating the Link Between a World Heritage Site, Communities, and Development Through Intangible Cultural Heritage: A UNESCO Experience

The link between tangible and intangible heritage can be understood in various ways. One prevalent viewpoint emphasizes traditional building craft skills as vital for safeguarding heritage structures, while others highlight the importance of customary practices such as rituals and celebrations in understanding architectural legacies’ historical context. Despite their validity, these perspectives often prioritize physical preservation, using intangible cultural heritage to achieve this goal. However, the Culture Sector at the UNESCO office in Jakarta took another approach. Aligning with Sustainable Development Goals, it views heritage sites not only as places for conservation but also as platforms for nurturing local intangible cultural heritage. It aims to utilize these sites to foster the growth of local creative industries, thus contributing to broader societal and economic advancements. This emphasis on community heritage and its well-being also has the advantage of piquing people’s interest in the physical heritage. The article delves into the experiences and insights gained by the UNESCO Jakarta Culture Team through its pilot activities within the broader settlement of the Borobudur Temple Compounds in Indonesia from 2012 till today.