Indonesia plans to inscribe tempeh on UNESCO Intangible Heritage List

Minister of Culture Fadli Zon has announced the Indonesian government's intention to register tempeh (fermented soya beans) on the UNESCO's List of Intangible Cultural Heritage. This is reported by Antara News.

"Whether it is (planting of and harvest for) rice, corn, and others, all have the traditions, [...] that are passed down through the generations," he said. 

Zon mentioned that Bali's subak irrigation system (a network of canals, tunnels and dams that distribute water from mountain springs and rivers to rice fields) is also part of the cultural heritage.

The local cereal crop sorghum could be used as a substitute for traditional foods, he said.

"Sorghum needs to be developed as it can replace rice and wheat, which will contribute to our food independence," the Minister said.

The UNESCO List of Intangible Cultural Heritage is a list of traditions, customs, rituals, knowledge, and skills that are recognised as part of the cultural heritage of humanity and protected by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO). The List was created within the framework of the Convention for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage, adopted in 2003, and aims to preserve and promote unique cultural practices around the world.

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