UNESCO -- GOI SEEKS U.S. SUPPORT FOR KEY HERITAGE

UNCLAS JAKARTA 001609 SIPDIS DEPT FOR EAP, EAP/MTS, EAP/MLS, EAP/RSP, IO NSC FOR D.WALTON E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: PREL PGOV SCUL ID SUBJECT: UNESCO -- GOI SEEKS U.S. SUPPORT FOR KEY HERITAGE COMMITTEE ¶1. (U) SUMMARY: The GOI has sent Mission a diplomatic note requesting that the USG support Indonesia's candidacy for the UNESCO World Heritage Committee during upcoming meetings in Paris. We urge that Department seriously consider Indonesia's candidacy. END SUMMARY. GOI PRESSES CANDIDACY FOR KEY UNESCO COMMITTEE ¶2. (U) Indonesia's Department of Foreign Affairs (DEPLU) has sent Mission a diplomatic note requesting that the United States support Indonesia's candidacy for the UNESCO World Heritage Committee. The GOI notes that this issue will be reviewed during October 23-28 meetings in Paris. (Note: The dipnote is dated September 16, but Mission only received it on September 24.) INDONESIA DESERVES USG SUPPORT ¶3. (U) Mission recommends that the Department support Indonesia's bid for the World Heritage Committee. Indonesia takes great pride in its rich and diverse cultural heritage and has a strong record of preserving that heritage. For example, UNESCO recently added batik, one of Indonesia's most distinctive artistic products, to its Intangible Cultural Heritage list. Moreover, Indonesia is a moderate Muslim-majority country with a tradition of respecting religious tolerance and diversity, working to protect heritage sites of all faiths and ethnicities. Mission believes that Indonesia will bring a responsible and moderate voice to the Committee and help further U.S. objectives in UNESCO. GOI DIPNOTE ¶4. (U) The text of the GOI's diplomatic note follows: Begin text: The Department of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Indonesia presents its compliments to the Embassy of the United States of America and has the honor to inform the latter that the Government of Indonesia has decided to present its candidature to the World Heritage Committee at elections to be held during the 17th Session of the General Assembly of States Parties to the Convention Concerning the Protection of the World Cultural and Natural Heritage 23-28 October 2009 at UNESCO Headquarters in Paris. The Government of Indonesia is strongly committed to the protection and preservation of the world's cultural and natural heritage. As member of the World Heritage Committee, Indonesia will work to ensure that effective and active measures are taken for the protection and conservation of the cultural and natural heritage. Indonesia believes that its role in the World Heritage Committee will contribute significantly to the work of the Committee. In view of the above, the Government of Indonesia would like to request the support of the Government of the United States of America towards Indonesia's candidature in the World Heritage Committee. The Department of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Indonesia avails itself of this opportunity to renew to the Embassy of the United States of America the assurances of its highest consideration. Jakarta, 16 September 2009 End text. HUME