Indonesia, known for its six cultural and four natural UNESCO World Heritage Sites, has long celebrated World Heritage Day. This year, UNESCO Jakarta is proud to host a one-day event on April 18, 2024, in Yogyakarta, supported by the National Federation of UNESCO Associations in Japan (NFUAJ). The event took place at Atma Jaya University and was attended by the host university as well as local students and faculty from Gadjah Mada University (UGM), and Tidar University.
The celebration highlighted the efforts in managing World Heritage sites, emphasizing conservation and community engagement. Site managers from Borobudur, Prambanan, Sangiran, and Yogyakarta shared their experiences and insights into sustainable heritage site management amidst ongoing development, underscoring the vital role of local communities.
Featuring an exhibition and a series of youth workshops, the event provided a vibrant platform for the younger generation to connect with heritage preservation. Creative local and entrepreneurial ventures were on display alongside product demonstrations. All designed to peak a proactive interest in heritage conservation among youths.
Since December 2023, UNESCO Jakarta has been actively engaging with university students, local youth, and communities around Borobudur Temple Compounds through webinars and site visits. These initiatives have covered a range of topics, including the World Heritage Convention, management of Borobudur Temple Compounds, improving local livelihoods, safeguarding the environment from tourism impacts, and leveraging digital technology to transform World Heritage Sites into hubs for sustainable development.
Reflecting on this enriching event,
