Jakarta. Cultural Affairs Minister Fadli Zon said the government is preparing to nominate dangdut, a uniquely Indonesian genre of popular music, for inclusion in UNESCO’s list of Intangible Cultural Heritage, underscoring efforts to elevate the homegrown music onto the global stage.

“I hope that in the near future we can register dangdut as an intangible cultural heritage with UNESCO,” Fadli said on Wednesday.

Fadli expressed his vision for dangdut to achieve international appeal comparable to the global waves created by K-pop and Bollywood music. “Let’s not only enjoy Korean music; the world should also enjoy our dangdut,” he said.

He added that promoting dangdut aligns with Indonesia’s constitutional mandate to advance national culture as part of the global civilization. “As stated in Article 32 of the 1945 Constitution, the state must promote Indonesia’s national culture in the midst of world civilization by ensuring that society can preserve and develop cultural values,” he said.

According to Fadli, dangdut represents an essential part of Indonesia’s identity and contributes to the richness of global cultural diversity. “Our culture, including dangdut, must contribute to the world,” he said.

What Is Dangdut?
Dangdut is a vibrant and widely popular genre of Indonesian music that blends traditional Malay rhythms with Indian, Arabic, and Western influences. Known for its infectious drumbeat, typically from the gendang (a two-headed hand drum), and often accompanied by danceable melodies, dangdut emerged in the 1970s through artists like Rhoma Irama, who infused the genre with social and moral themes.

Once considered music of the working class, dangdut has evolved into a mainstream phenomenon performed at festivals, weddings, and television shows across the archipelago. In recent years, younger performers have modernized the style, incorporating pop and electronic elements while maintaining its signature rhythmic appeal.

If successful, the UNESCO listing would place dangdut alongside other Indonesian cultural treasures already recognized as Intangible Cultural Heritage, including batik, wayang (shadow puppetry), and gamelan music.

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