“For more than four decades, ASEAN-COCI has evolved into a key pillar in reinforcing people-to-people connectivity, cultural collaboration, information exchange, and a shared ASEAN identity amid our diversity,” he said here on Wednesday.
He highlighted that ASEAN-COCI provides platforms such as forums, study visits, cultural exchanges, collaborative productions, and capacity-building programs that enable artists, students, practitioners, and experts to share knowledge and creativity.
The 2025 ASEAN-COCI Jubilee Fiesta, held from November 24-28, features forums, a memorabilia exhibition, and a photo competition celebrating nearly five decades of contribution.
Minister Zon noted that ASEAN’s youth population, projected to peak at more than 220 million, represents a reservoir of creativity, energy, and talent that will shape the region’s cultural and informational landscape.
He highlighted the ongoing multinational nomination of kebaya to UNESCO’s Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, involving Indonesia, Brunei Darussalam, Malaysia, and Singapore.
At the forum, the welcoming ceremony for the delegates was enlivened by a lighting show performance and a Zapin dance show.
The Zapin dance performance represented the diversity and spirit of openness of ASEAN countries, while also serving as a moment for Indonesia to showcase the rich Nusantara culture to the delegates.
Zon noted that this collaboration is proof of how cultural heritage can connect all countries in ASEAN.
“Hopefully, this collaboration will inspire more joint (UNESCO) nominations in the future and strengthen our collective commitment to heritage preservation,” he said.
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Translator: Sinta, Kenzu
Editor: Azis Kurmala
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