Cultural heritage at risk in the Middle East

In Jakarta, conflicts in the Middle East not only lead to a humanitarian crisis but also threaten the continuity of cultural heritage. Minister of Culture Fadli Zon stated that the violence escalation in the Middle East has significant repercussions on the existence of cultural heritage.

“This situation not only puts civilians at increasing risk but also threatens cultural heritage, whether it be historical sites and cultural heritage sites or intangible cultural heritage throughout the region,” he declared, as reported by ANTARA on April 1.

He explained that armed conflicts not only have physical impacts but also erode the values and identity that have been passed down through generations.

According to him, protecting cultural heritage in conflicts is not just a moral responsibility but also an international obligation as outlined in various global conventions.

“Every destruction, damage, or abuse of cultural riches in a conflict weakens the social fabric of society, accentuates traumas, and destroys the chances for peace,” he affirmed.

The Indonesian Ministry of Culture also called on all parties to respect international humanitarian law and ensure the security of peacekeeping personnel and cultural sites against various threats, including attacks, vandalism, and looting.

The Indonesian government also supports international efforts, including those of UNESCO, to enhance measures for protecting vulnerable cultural sites.

Additionally, the minister expressed condolences for the death of three Indonesian soldiers serving in a United Nations peacekeeping mission through the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) in southern Lebanon, and prayed for the recovery of the injured members.

He also emphasized concerns about attacks that are deemed dangerous for peacekeeping personnel, civilians, and essential infrastructure, while increasing the threat to cultural heritage in the region.