The Committee
- Recalling the initial inscription of ‘Pantun’ (submitted by Indonesia and Malaysia) on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity by the fifteenth session of the Committee in 2020 (Decision COM 8.b.30),
- Takes note that Indonesia, Malaysia and Brunei Darussalam have nominated Pantun (No. 02274) for inscription, on an extended basis to include Brunei Darussalam, on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity:
Pantun is a form of Malay verse used to express intricate ideas and emotions. It is a widespread oral form in maritime Southeast Asia. Pantun has a clear a-b-a-b rhyme scheme. The four-line variety is the most common. Pantuns may be transmitted in music, song and writing. Performances are headed by the ‘pemantun’ (the pantun narrator), the singers and customary chiefs. Most verses are devoted to expressing love for a romantic partner, family, the community and the natural world. Pantuns can be recited at weddings, customary rituals, cultural performances and official ceremonies.
- Considers that, from the information included in the file, the nomination satisfies the following criteria for inscription on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity:
R.1: Knowledge and skills related to the element are transmitted formally in schools and artistic workshops, and informally through sessions and competitions. The practice offers a socially acceptable way to express oneself indirectly and politely. It is also an instrument of moral guidance, as verses often convey religious and cultural values such as restraint, respect, kindness and humility. A treasured oral heritage, pantun has even been used as a diplomatic form of conflict resolution, as it offers a way to gently evoke important issues. Harmony with nature and flexibility in human relationships are also lauded ideals.
R.2: As a form of art developed in the Malay world, the element sustains ties between ethnic communities in different countries of Southeast Asia, promoting mutual understanding and respect. At the regional level, the inscription of pantun would enhance cooperation between these countries in ensuring the preservation of their shared cultural heritage. At the international level, this inscription would contribute to promoting oral traditions that are being adapted due to the process of globalization.
R.3: The nomination file states that the proposed extension will enhance the safeguarding measures outlined in the original nomination, particularly through documentation, education and information. It is clear that safeguarding efforts involve both government institutions and communities of tradition bearers, as well as other stakeholders. Practitioners are involved in planning and implementing the safeguarding measures, mainly as instructors, for the transmission of knowledge to younger generations.
R.5: The element was included in the National Intangible Cultural Heritage Inventory (Inventori Warisan Budaya Tidak Ketara Kebangsaan) in 2023. The inventory is maintained by the Language and Literature Bureau of the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports. The updates of inventory are carried out with community participation. Information on inventory periodic updates and the inventorying process is available in the periodic report.
- Further considers that, from the information included in the file and the information provided by the submitting States through the dialogue process, the nomination satisfies the following criterion for inscription on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity:
R.4: The extension has been nominated with the participation of the communities and individuals in all countries concerned and with their free, prior and informed consent. Bearers provided information for the nomination and played an active part in the documentation and inventorying process, as well as in preparing the nomination file.
- Decides to inscribe Pantun on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, taking note that the present inscription incorporates and replaces ‘Pantun’ (No. 01613), previously inscribed in 2020;
- Commends the State Parties for careful submission of a multilateral inscription capable of promoting dialogue between communities with similar cultures beyond national borders.