Determination of World Cultural Heritage Must Be Accompanied by Conservation Responsibilities

Director General of Culture at the Ministry of Education, Culture, Research, and Technology, Hilmar Farid, said that the designation is a pride for the Indonesian nation. "However, in that acknowledgement also lies a significant responsibility," he said when attending the handover of the UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Inscription Certificate at the Plaza Insan Pendidikan Berprestasi Kemendikbudristek, Jakarta, on Thursday afternoon, April 25, 2024.

The certificate of inscription was given by the Secretary of the Directorate General of Multilateral Cooperation of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Yohpy Ichsan Wardana, to Hilmar. Hilmar then handed over the certificate to the Head of the National Archives of the Republic of Indonesia, Imam Gunarto.

Also read: Utilization of Cultural Heritage Still Ignores Preservation

Hilmar said, preserving cultural heritage is not limited to preserving it, but also utilizing it. That way, the responsibility arises from the community to help preserve it.

Tangible or tangible cultural heritage such as the Yogyakarta Philosophy Axis can be utilized as a public space that supports social interaction. Such use of cultural heritage has been carried out in a number of places in the country.

"This is the most effective conservation effort. Especially considering Yogyakarta is not short of creative people. If it is simply maintained, only ensuring that it does not collapse, it will incur costs. However, if it is utilized, it can generate continuous income, open up public space, and strengthen cultural heritage," he explained.

The Yogyakarta Philosophy Axis is a spatial concept created by the first king of Yogyakarta Palace, Sultan Hamengku Buwono I, in the 18th century. This spatial concept was based on Javanese concepts, taking the form of a straight road structure that stretches between Panggung Krapyak on the south, Yogyakarta Palace in the center, and Tugu Yogyakarta in the north (Kompas, 20/9/2023).

Deputy Governor of the Special Region of Yogyakarta, Kanjeng Gusti Pangeran Adipati Arya (KGPAA) Paku Alam X, stated that the designation of Yogyakarta's Philosophical Axis as a World Cultural Heritage is a source of pride for him and the people of Yogyakarta. "Whatever it may be, ultimately it becomes our responsibility. The real question is how to effectively preserve it. Because there will be an evaluation (from UNESCO) later," he said.

Secretary of the DIY Culture Agency, Cahyo Widayat, stated that the designation is a recognition of the masterpiece of Sultan Hamengku Buwono I. According to him, the Philosophy Axis of Yogyakarta is not just about arranging buildings, but also symbolizes the philosophy that guides the lives of Yogyakarta society.

Also read: Appreciation and Challenges Behind the Recognition of the Yogyakarta Philosophy Axis

"This is undoubtedly an achievement. However, there are several obligations that must be fulfilled to preserve it. UNESCO has provided a number of recommendations for that," he said.

Preserving cultural heritage is not limited to preserving it, but also utilizing it. That way, the responsibility arises from the community to help preserve it.

One of the recommendations is to improve monitoring indicators on the attributes of Yogyakarta's philosophical axis. Therefore, they will strengthen the institution by forming a joint secretariat consisting of the Yogyakarta DIY Government, the Yogyakarta City Government, and the Bantul Regency Government.

"We have a commitment stated in our planning management. The gist is to preserve, protect, develop, and utilize this philosophical axis area as a cultural heritage asset that is beneficial for the community," he said.

Herbal medicine as a balance

Hilmar stated that preserving the culture of drinking herbal medicine as an intangible cultural heritage also needs to be supported by the wider community. It is hoped that this can balance the consumption patterns of society, which currently rely heavily on industrial products.

Also read: Bitter and Fresh Herbal Medicine Becomes World Cultural Heritage

“The challenges of preserving herbal medicine are somewhat different. It's a matter of taste, a matter of taste. Don't forget, our appetites are shaped by very strong industry. Herbal medicine will be like a counterbalance (balance). "Later the perpetrators will see the opportunity so that herbal medicine can be consumed every day and become a habit," he explained.

A representative of the Combined Business Association of Traditional Herbal Medicines (GP Jamu), Dwi Ranny Pertiwi Zarman, said that the effort to propose Jamu's Healthy Culture as an Intangible Cultural Heritage has been fought for a long time. The designation is expected to open the public's eyes to reintroduce the habit of drinking Jamu, which is an original traditional medicine concoction from Indonesia.

"This is something to be very proud of. Drinking herbal medicine, which was previously considered ndeso, has now been recognized worldwide. "We must maintain this recognition by preserving the culture of drinking herbal medicine," he said.