The Bandung City Office of Culture and Tourism (Disbudpar) hosted the National Symposium: The Site of the 1955 Asian-African Conference as a World Cultural Heritage Candidate from Thursday, 16 October 2025, to Friday, 17 October 2025. This symposium was organized as part of the effort to advance the nomination of the Asian-African Conference (AAC) Area as a UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization) World Heritage Site.
The symposium brought together all relevant stakeholders to identify key challenges and formulate appropriate methodologies to strengthen the nomination process. The event was attended by experts and representatives from municipal and central government bodies, the Indonesian National Commission for UNESCO, academics, community and cultural heritage practitioners, tourism and creative economy stakeholders, media representatives, students, and the general public.
On the first day, discussions centered on the fundamental concepts of UNESCO World Cultural Heritage, the potential of the AAC historical site, and the integrity and authenticity of the AAC Area as a prospective world heritage site. The second day continued with a focus on the historical significance and contemporary relevance of the Bandung Spirit. During this session, Dr. rer. pol. Albert Triwibowo, a lecturer from UNPAR’s International Relations Department, contributed insights on Cultural Diplomacy and the Global Significance of the Asian-African Conference. In his presentation, Dr. Triwibowo emphasized the importance of cultural diplomacy in supporting the site’s nomination, highlighting the need for a strong central narrative that can be translated into a compelling public image to garner both domestic and international support.
The symposium concluded with the formulation of strategic documents summarizing key recommendations, minutes, and presentation materials that will serve as the basis for the official submission to UNESCO. It is hoped that the symposium will strengthen efforts to include the AAC Area in UNESCO’s tentative list of World Cultural Heritage Sites.
Sources:
Bandung City Government. “Bandung Mayor Strengthens Efforts to Nominate the AAC Area as a UNESCO World Heritage Site,” 17 October 2025.
Metro TV. Roni Kurniawan. “Asian-African Conference Area Proposed as UNESCO World Heritage Site,” 16 October 2025.
