On June 25, 2024, Dr. Seong-Yong Park, publisher of Arirang Culture Connect, conducted an exclusive online interview via Zoom with Prof. Ibu Wiendu Nuryanti, a distinguished expert in Indonesian culture and former Vice-Minister of Education and Culture. The interview delved into Prof. Nuryanti's extensive work in preserving and promoting cultural heritage, about her personal journey, and her vision for the future.
Prof. Ibu Wiendu Nuryanti
A Journey of Excellence
Prof. Wiendu Nuryanti's dedication to cultural preservation is deeply rooted in her extensive academic and professional background. Dr. Seong-Yong Park began the interview by expressing his admiration for her lifelong commitment to cultural education and preservation. Her distinguished career spans academia, government service, and international consultancy, shaping the nation's cultural landscape profoundly. Dr. Wiendu Nuryanti is recognized as being a prominent expert on culture, tourism and development issues in Indonesia.
Dr. Nuryanti holds a professorship in Architecture and Tourism Planning at Gadjah Mada University, where she also earned her undergraduate and graduate degrees. She pursued further studies in the USA and France, receiving her Master's Degree in Architecture and Urban Design from the University of Wisconsin in 1987. She later earned a Ph.D. in Tourism Planning and Regional Development in 1998 from the Universities of Surrey and Bournemouth in the UK.
Founder of the NGO Stuppa Indonesia: Partners in Development, recognized by UNESCO in 2021, Dr. Nuryanti advises local, regional, and national governments on culture, development, and tourism policies in Indonesia. She has contributed significantly to international organizations such as UNDP, UNESCO, and UNWTO, and led architectural projects including the Indonesian Borobudur Garden Project at the Vatican Museum in Rome. She served on the Governing Board of ICHCAP and coordinated UNESCO-listed Indonesian cultural documentation.
Returning to UGM after her vice-ministerial role, Dr. Nuryanti resumed her professorship, also directing the Doctorate Program in Architecture and Planning since 2015. Recently appointed to the Nusantara Design Committee, overseeing the development of the new national capital in East Kalimantan, she continues to advance her impactful career in academia and cultural stewardship.
Shaping Cultural Policy
Under Dr. Nuryanti’s leadership during her tenure as Vice-Minister of Education and Culture for Cultural Affairs (2011-2014), Indonesia established its first national inscription bodies for built heritage and Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH), laying the groundwork for comprehensive cultural preservation across provinces and districts. Her initiatives have been instrumental in safeguarding Indonesia's diverse cultural heritage while promoting its global significance.
Cultural Tourism: A Catalyst for Development
Cultural tourism has been a cornerstone of Indonesia's economic and social fabric, with Dr. Nuryanti emphasizing its role in fostering regional development. Indonesia's vast cultural tapestry, spanning 17,000 islands and boasting numerous UNESCO World Heritage Sites, has not only attracted tourists but also bolstered local economies and preserved regional identities. She Adds that – “Having these 10 UNESCO World Heritage Sites and 12 registered UNESCO ICH, has been of key importance as anchors of tourism attractions and marketing”. Dr. Nuryanti’s advocacy has underscored the symbiotic relationship between cultural heritage and sustainable development.
Championing Intangible Cultural Heritage
Dr. Nuryanti’s dedication to preserving Indonesian intangible cultural heritage (ICH) is evident through her diverse projects. Initiatives like the World Batik Summit and Wayang Summit to name a few, have not only celebrated traditional arts but also facilitated international collaboration among cultural practitioners. These efforts have amplified Indonesia’s cultural footprint globally, reinforcing its identity as a hub of cultural creativity and innovation.
At Gadjah Mada University, Prof. Nuryanti thrives in her role as an educator, intertwining architecture, planning, and tourism with cultural studies. She champions a holistic approach that integrates traditional and contemporary architectural practices, echoing Indonesia's rich architectural heritage rooted in diverse cultural contexts.
Her involvement in managing Borobudur Temple site exemplifies her proactive stance in safeguarding UNESCO's World Heritage sites against the pressures of tourism while enhancing community engagement through initiatives like the Borobudur Museum and Art Village. These projects not only preserve tangible heritage but also celebrate intangible cultural expressions like batik, fostering sustainable tourism practices that benefit local communities.
Prof. Nuryanti advocates an integrated approach to heritage management, highlighting the inseparable link between tangible and intangible cultural elements.
Urban Planning: Preserving Heritage in Modernity
Urban planning plays a pivotal role in Dr. Nuryanti’s vision for cultural preservation. By integrating ICH into urban development strategies—such as adaptive reuse of historical buildings—cities become vibrant cultural hubs and tourist magnets. This approach ensures that cultural heritage remains integral to urban growth, fostering sustainable tourism and community engagement. As a professor at Gadjah Mada University, Dr. Nuryanti integrates cultural heritage and tourism planning into the curriculum, nurturing students to become advocates for cultural preservation.
In Photo: Dr. Seong-Yong Park, publisher of Arirang Culture Connect during the Online interview session via Zoom with Prof. Ibu Wiendu Nuryanti, a distinguished expert in Indonesian culture and former Vice-Minister of Education and Culture.
Educating Future Leaders and Inspiring the Next Generation
She views educational institutions as pivotal in fostering cultural awareness and exchange, preparing the next generation to safeguard and celebrate Indonesia’s rich cultural legacy.
As an advice to the young professionals, she insists that, “Creativity and open minds are key to finding practical solutions. Never stop creating”. She adds that “... architecture is the most essential and total expression of human space and creativity. And culture is the soul of it. We could say: No culture. no architecture. and therefore, no tourism”.
Through her pioneering efforts, Dr. Nuryanti continues to leave a mark on Indonesia’s cultural landscape, inspiring future generations to forge paths that harmonize heritage with progress.
Global Collaborations: Strengthening Cultural Bonds
Dr. Nuryanti advocates for international collaborations as indispensable for cultural preservation in a globalized world. By fostering partnerships across borders, she believes nations can leverage shared heritage to promote mutual understanding and respect. Her involvement international bodies such UNESCO, UNWTO, UNDP and others, has been instrumental in advancing global dialogues on cultural diversity and preservation.
Collaboration with Culture Masters
Dr. Nuryanti sees great potential in collaborations between Indonesian cultural institutions and Culture Masters from around the world. She supports initiatives like the Culture Masters program, advocating for university-based centers that foster interdisciplinary research and cultural exchange. With respect to integrating Culture Masters' projects into Indonesia's cultural landscape while fostering mutual appreciation and exchange between Indonesia and Culture Masters, she mentions that – “University centres are one of the many ways to incorporate mutual cooperations. Culture Diplomacies is also another potential arena for the mutual cooperation and appreciations to grow.” She believes that, these collaborations strengthen global partnerships in safeguarding cultural identities amidst globalization.
Impressions and reflections:
Dr. Wiendu Nuryanti's career exemplifies a tireless commitment to bridging the worlds of architecture, urban planning, and cultural affairs. Her holistic approach integrates academic rigor, policy advocacy, and international collaboration to safeguard and promote Indonesia's cultural heritage. As she continues to shape the discourse on cultural policy and urban development, Dr. Nuryanti remains a steadfast advocate for inclusive, sustainable, and culturally vibrant societies both in Indonesia and beyond. Her legacy serves as an enduring inspiration for those dedicated to the preservation and celebration of cultural diversity worldwide.
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This Article was written by Ms. Gunjan Joshi, an ICH Consultant for Culture Masters and an international reporter for Arirang Culture Connect.
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