Bosnia-Herzegovina Ambassador Supports Jepara Carving Art as UNESCO Cultural Heritage

The Ambassador of Bosnia and Herzegovina to Indonesia, Armin Limo, made an official visit to Jepara Regency, Tuesday (27/5/25). His party supports the Joint Nomination initiative of Jepara Carvings as UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage (WBTB).

This visit is the initial step of cooperation between Indonesia and Bosnia to encourage world recognition of the richness of Jepara's traditional carving art.

During his visit, Ambassador Armin Limo visited several carving centers in Jepara, including the Sembada Ukir Petekeyan Village, the Senenan Relief Center, the Mulyoharjo Statue Center, and the Mantingan Mosque which is one of the historical sites that represents the richness of Jepara's typical carving art.

The Regent of Jepara, Witiarso Utomo, welcomed the ambassador's arrival directly and explained that this visit was part of the joint nomination process so that Jepara Carvings could be recognized as Intangible Cultural Heritage by UNESCO.

"After this, the Bosnian side will request many supporting documents from the community. Later, this nomination will be submitted first through Bosnia, before being continued to UNESCO," explained Mas Wiwit, Witiarso Utomo's nickname.

The Jepara Regency Government has also prepared various supports to preserve the art of carving. Including, educational programs for children of carvers and the provision of social security for carvers.

"We will prioritize Jepara carving so that it remains sustainable and has economic value to help the welfare of the community," he said.

Ambassador Armin Limo also admitted that he was impressed by the welcome of the Jepara community. Moreover, this is his first visit to Jepara Regency.

"I am very happy with this visit, especially this is my first visit to Jepara. I feel like I'm at home, the people are very friendly. I even got the opportunity to try carving directly," he said.

He added that in Bosnia there is a city that has been recognized by UNESCO for its wood carving art, and he hopes Jepara can follow in the same footsteps.

Meanwhile, Deputy Chairperson of the MPR RI, Lestari Moerdijat, who was also present at the visit, also expressed her appreciation for the role of female carvers. "Earlier I saw a female carver, it was extraordinary. Carving is not only about technical skills, but also about taste. One wrong tap can ruin the entire work," she said.

Lestari emphasized the importance of joint strength to maintain carving and its craftsmen as part of the nation's cultural identity. The process to obtain recognition from UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage is estimated to take up to two years. However, with the support of various parties, the hope for Jepara Carvings to go global is increasingly that is open.

Present at the event were Deputy Chairperson of the MPR RI, Lestari Moerdijat; Regent of Jepara, Witiarso Utomo (Mas Wiwit); Deputy Regent of Jepara, M. Ibnu Hajar (Gus Hajar); Deputy Chairperson of the Jepara DPRD, Pratikno, Chairperson of Commission A of the Jepara DPRD, Padmono Wisnugroho; and Heads of related OPDs.

During his visit, Ambassador Armin Limo visited several carving centers in Jepara, including the Sembada Ukir Petekeyan Village, the Senenan Relief Center, the Mulyoharjo Statue Center, and the Mantingan Mosque which is one of the historical sites that represents the richness of Jepara's unique carving art.

Deputy Chairperson of the MPR RI, Lestari Moerdijat (Rerie), who also attended the visit, also expressed her appreciation for the role of female carvers.

"Earlier I saw a female carver, it was extraordinary. Carving is not only about technical skills, but also about taste. One wrong tap can ruin the entire work," he said.

Rerie emphasized the importance of joint strength to maintain the art of carving and its craftsmen as part of the nation's cultural identity.

"The welfare of the carvers must also be considered, we will discuss it with Mas Wiwit," he said.

He estimated that the process of Jepara carving to obtain recognition from UNESCO as an intangible cultural heritage would take up to two years.

However, with the support of various parties, the hope that Jepara carvings would go global is increasingly wide open.

Meanwhile, the Regent of Jepara, Witiarso Utomo (Mas Wiwit), said that the Jepara Regency Government had prepared various supports to preserve the art of carving, including educational programs for children of carvers and providing social security for carvers.

"We will prioritize Jepara carvings so that they remain sustainable and have economic value to help the welfare of the community," he said.

Wiwit explained that after the visit, the Bosnian party would request many documents regarding support from the community.

Later, this nomination will be submitted first through Bosnia, before being continued to UNESCO," said Wiwit.

Ambassador Armin Limo also admitted to being impressed by the welcome of the Jepara community. Moreover, this is his first visit to Jepara Regency.

"I am very happy with this visit, especially since this is my first visit to Jepara. I feel like I'm at home, the people are very friendly. I even got the chance to try carving directly," said Armin Limo.

He added that in Bosnia there is a city that has been recognized by UNESCO for its wood carving art, and he hopes Jepara can follow in the same footsteps.

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