Denpasar is the only Indonesian city to have become a member of the OWHC because of the historical interest it holds as an urban centre.
In addition, Denpasar adheres to the OWHCs values. The UNESCO has also recognized its outstanding universal value and registered it in the World Heritage List.
The city is all set to host the regional meeting of the OWHC, and the event is likely to come up with a Denpasar Declaration at the end.
This Denpasar Declaration will call for efforts to preserve and maintain the cultural heritage of the world and the network of world heritage cities.
"The tangible and intangible world cultural heritage must be preserved and maintained in order to serve as a tourist attraction," the organizing committee spokesman, Dewa Made Ariawan said.
Representatives of 41 heritage cities network from nine countries in Asia and the Pacific will participate in the OWHC regional meeting, organized in cooperation with South Korea.
Prior to the meeting on Sunday to Wednesday, a team from South Korea has reviewed the location of the event at the Grand Inna Bali Beach Sanur.
In the meantime, the head of Denpasar Tourism Department, I Wayan Gunawan remarked on Friday that there are three main items on the agenda --- a cultural performance, the strategic meeting and an international photo and painting exhibition.
"The results of this OWHC regional meeting will serve as an input or a recommendation to be discussed at the international level in relation to the preservation of cultural values and history," Wayan explained.
He noted that the OWHC regional meeting in Denpasar is very important and will promote culture and tourism in Bali.
"Culture and tourism in the city of Denpasar is very important because it affects all areas of social life. It spurs all economic sectors and mobilizes them to serve increased public welfare," he said.
Regarding cultural performances on the sidelines of the OWHC regional meeting, three Balinese dances that were inscribed in the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity List in December 2015, will be performed.
These three genres of traditional Balinese dance are sacred, semi-sacred, and that meant for enjoyment by communities at large.
Traditional Balinese dances will be performed by men and women dancers dressed in traditional costumes comprising brightly colored clothes painted with gold floral and faunal motifs, with gold-leafed and ornate accessories.
The dance forms are inspired by nature and symbolize specific traditions, customs and religious values.
The international photo and painting exhibition to enliven the OWHC regional meeting will see the participation of overseas painters, including those from the island of paradise.
The OWHC is divided into three regions, namely Europe, Latin America and Asia Pacific. Indonesia is represented by Denpasar as a member of the World Heritage Cities Organization.
The Organization of World Heritage Cities is an international non-profit, non-governmental organization of 250 cities, including Denpasar, where the sites of the UNESCO World Heritage list are located.
Denpasar is known worldwide as a major tourist destination, and is the main gateway to the paradise island of Bali.
With the rapid growth of tourism industry in Bali, Denpasar has encouraged and promoted business activities and ventures, contributing to the fact that it has the highest growth rate in the province.
Denpasars various attractions include white sandy beaches, well-known all over the island.
Ten minutes from the Ngurah Rai International Airport is the town of Kuta, where most of the hotels, restaurants, malls, cafes, marketplaces, and spas that cater to tourists, are located.
In the Denpasar area, all kinds of Balinese handicrafts are showcased in local shops. These include artwork, pottery, textiles, and silver.
Traditional values inspired by Hindu religious rituals are still strong in this city, influencing local culture.
However, over time, some of the customary laws are being contested by the people, especially in matters of gender and inheritance.
Therefore, the OWHC regional meeting aims to encourage cooperation and exchange of information and expertise among its member cities at both regional and international levels.
The OWHC works in close collaboration with other organizations pursuing similar goals while promoting action likely to support the efforts of cities located in developing countries.
It assists members to adapt and improve their management methods in relation to the specific requirements of having a site inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List.
Moreover, the organization ensures better links between research undertaken by specialists and the needs of the local managements.
In addition, the Organization intends to help develop a sense of solidarity among its member cities and to sensitize the populations about heritage values and their protection.
The OWHC organizes meetings at international and regional levels. In addition to the biennial General Assemblies, there are World Congresses, conferences, seminars and workshops. All those meetings deal with the challenges in the realm of management and strategies pertaining to the preservation and development of historic cities.
(O001/INE/S012)
EDITED BY INE
(O001/KR-BSR/S012)
Reporter: Otniel Tamindael
Editor: Jafar M Sidik
Copyright © ANTARA 2016
