Jakarta (ANTARA) – Indonesia has called on UNESCO to bolster its role in safeguarding global cultural heritage against the rapid rise of artificial intelligence (AI) and the growing threats posed by climate change.
Speaking at the 220th session of the UNESCO Executive Board in Paris, Indonesia’s Deputy Permanent Delegate to UNESCO I.G.A.K. Satrya Wibawa warned that while digital technology offers unprecedented tools for preservation, AI must not be allowed to erode local cultural identities.
“AI must continue to serve culture, rather than redefine cultural identity without the participation of the communities to whom that culture belongs,” Satrya said in a statement on Tuesday.
Satrya emphasized that the rapid evolution of digital platforms has fundamentally transformed how heritage is produced, preserved, and shared.
However, he noted that AI presents pressing challenges surrounding authenticity, intellectual property, creators’ rights, and cultural diversity—demanding swift, collaborative international solutions.
Despite these risks, the Indonesian delegation highlighted AI’s positive potential when paired with a human-centric approach—citing interactive museum experiences that engage younger generations while maintaining historical integrity.
In particular, Indonesia advocated for the “living museum” model, where heritage is maintained through actively practiced local traditions rather than static exhibits.
Satrya pointed to Bali’s Subak irrigation system and the Sasi coastal conservation practices in Maluku as vital examples of how Indigenous knowledge connects environmental sustainability with community livelihoods.
He urged UNESCO to help developing nations build climate-resilient policies that keep local communities at the center of cultural defense strategies.
Beyond heritage preservation, Indonesia pressed UNESCO to strengthen its internal institutional framework through improved gender balance and equitable geographical representation.
Sasi Hemawardhani, an Indonesian diplomat to UNESCO, advocated for targeted recruitment strategies to assist underrepresented and unrepresented nations while maintaining meritocracy.
Indonesia concluded its intervention by urging UNESCO to move beyond normative commitments toward concrete actions—including capacity building, technical assistance, direct funding, and knowledge transfer for developing countries.
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Translator: Nabil Ihsan, Yashinta Difa
Editor: Rahmad Nasution
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