Tabanan, Bali (ANTARA) - Tourism and Creative Economy Minister Sandiaga Salahuddin Uno stated that the district of Tabanan in Bali holds huge potential to be included in the UNESCO Creative Cities Network.

He attributed the potential to Tabanan's Subak Jatiluwih, an agricultural area declared by UNESCO as an intangible world cultural heritage in 2012.

"Tabanan has huge potential owing to its heritage site. The district can become part of the UNESCO Creative Cities Network by undergoing a selection process," he remarked in the district on Friday.

Speaking at a workshop, the minister underlined that Indonesia had managed to incorporate the cities of Bandung, Jakarta, Ambon, Pekalongan, and Solo into the UNESCO Creative Cities Network.

He said that the five cities were accepted in the network due to their excellence in design, music, and art, noting that Tabanan can join them for its culinary appeal.

"I initially thought about promoting art performances (of Tabanan), but then I was offered sate lilit," he said, referring to a kind of satay made by wrapping meat around a skewer. "I think we can highlight the district's culinary value."

To make Tabanan join the UNESCO Creative Cities Network, he explained that the local government is required to register the district for a selection process by filling out some application documents to then be submitted.

"Earlier, the Tabanan regional secretary told me his side is ready to make Tabanan a creative city that adheres to UNESCO standards by next year," he affirmed.

The minister then emphasized the importance of Tabanan displaying its finest creative products to meet UNESCO standards and get accepted into the network.

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Translator: Ni Putu P, Tegar Nurfitra
Editor: Anton Santoso
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