JAKARTA – Conflicts in the Middle East not only cause a humanitarian crisis, but also threaten the continuity of cultural heritage. In a situation of war, historical sites and traditions that exist within society are highly threatened with destruction or even disappearance.
Seeing this, the Minister of Culture (Menbud) Fadli Zon said that the escalation of violence in the Middle East had significant repercussions, including on the existence of cultural heritage.
“This situation not only puts civilians at increasing risk, but also threatens cultural heritage, whether it be cultural sites and 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 repercussions on physical damages but also erode the values and identity that have been passed down from generation to generation.
According to him, the protection of cultural heritage in conflicts is not only a moral responsibility but also an international obligation, as provided for in various global conventions.
“Every destruction, damage, or abuse of cultural wealth 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 invited 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 strengthen measures to protect cultural sites in situations of vulnerability.
Furthermore, the minister expressed his condolences for the death of three soldiers from the national army serving in a United Nations peacekeeping mission through the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) in southern Lebanon, and prayed for the healing of the injured members.
He also emphasized the criticisms regarding attacks that are considered dangerous for peacekeeping personnel, civilians, and essential infrastructure, while increasing the threat to cultural heritage in the region.
