9:05 AM
admin
| International Experts Meeting for the Rehabilitation of Earthquake-affected Prambanan World Heritage Site and Taman Sari Water Castle, 5-8 March 2007 - Yogyakarta, Indonesia |
| (Date: March 7, 2007) PRESS RELEASE International Experts Meeting for the Rehabilitation of Earthquake-affected Prambanan World Heritage Site and Taman Sari Water Castle, 5-8 March 2007 - Yogyakarta, Indonesia Jakarta, 5 March 2007 - An International Experts Meeting on the rehabilitation of earthquake-affected Prambanan World Heritage Site and Taman Sari Water Castle is currently gathering international and national experts in Yogyakarta (from 5-8 March 2007) in order to prepare an integrated action plan for the post-earthquake recovery and rehabilitation works at these important cultural sites. This meeting is organized jointly by UNESCO Office, Jakarta and the Department of Culture and Tourism of the Republic of Indonesia, with the funding support from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The opening ceremony, which gathered this morning about 100 guests in Hotel Grand Mercure, started with a special message from the Governor of the Special Province of Yogyakarta, H.E. Sri Sultan Hamengku Buwono X, which was read on his behalf by Mr Sunyoto, who welcomed all the participants to Yogyakarta, the Heart of Java, wishing that the cultural atmosphere of the city would bring success to the meeting, working hands in hands for the cultural heritage of Yogyakarta, which he described as the component of the society ensuring its sustainability. During the occasion, Mr Richard Engelhardt, UNESO Regional Advisor for Culture in Asia and the Pacific, delivered the message from the UNESCO World Heritage Centre in Paris. He recalled the importance of the UNESCO World Heritage Convention (1972), which has become the leading international framework for the conservation of cultural heritage. The 183 Member States signatory to this Convention have inscribed 830 sites (natural and cultural) worldwide and have committed themselves to work together for the protection of this shared outstanding heritage. “That is why the very presence of several countries in this meeting is a good example of this World Heritage Spirit in which countries come together to support a shared responsibility to safeguard the World Heritage sites” Mr Engelhardt stated. Mr Hubert J. Gijzen, the Director of UNESCO Office, Jakarta, recalled the UNESCO activities in response of the earthquake, implemented in collaboration with the Department of Culture and Tourism, and especially the two Archaeological Site Offices, directly responsible for the on-site recovery works. He stressed that “UNESCO would continue to assist the Indonesian authorities and the people of Yogyakarta in their efforts to safeguard the rich cultural heritage of Yogyakarta, the Cultural Hub of Indonesia”. He also recalled the International safeguarding Campaign for Borobudur World Heritage site launched in the early 1970’s and suggested the similar coordinated effort should be made to ensure the full restoration and sustainable management of the Prambanan World Heritage site and Taman Sari Water Castle. Speaking on behalf of the Ambassador of the Royal Embassy of Saudi Arabia in Jakarta, Mr Ahmad Kattouah, First Secretary, commended the works that are being carried out in Prambanan World Heritage site and Taman Sari Water Castle. Mr Arief Rachman, Executive Chairman of the Indonesian National Commission for UNESCO, stressed on the importance of socializing the results of the meeting. He continued: “we need to strengthen the philosophical, religious and social values behind these cultural sites, which inspire our sense our harmony. Most important is the socialization to the national and local authorities to ensure that in the future any plan to improve the site will be based on the results of this International Experts Meeting, under the coordination of the Indonesian authorities and under the guidance of UNESCO”. Finally, Mr Hari Untoro Dradjat, Director-General for History and Archaeology, read the message from the Minister for Culture and Tourism, which expressed gratitude to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for its funding support which enabled the International Experts Meeting to be organized. He also thanked the Japanese team of experts sent by the Government of Japan who are undertaking a three-week technical research in Prambanan World Heritage site. He then welcomed all the experts from Indonesia, Australia, China, India, Italy, Japan and the United States, who are gathering to build together the comprehensive action plan for rehabilitation of the earthquake-affected sites. It is hoped that this meeting will result in the elaboration of a comprehensive action plan for the rehabilitation of the earthquake-affected Prambanan World Heritage site and Taman Sari Water Castle, as well as in developing partnerships for future works. For further information, please contact: UNESCO Office, Jakarta |
Posted in: earthquake
0 comments:
Post a Comment