President Hopes Subak Become World Heritage

Denpasar (Antara Bali) - President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono hopes that UNESCO will recognise the Subak - the traditional irrigation system of Bali - as a world cultural heritage.

Subak is a manifestation of the Balinese people's philosophy, said the president in his speech while inaugurating the Bali Arts Festival here on Sunday evening.

"It has been recommended for inclusion in UNESCO's World Heritage List," the president remarked.

The head of state hoped that UNESCO's World Heritage Committee will make this inclusion during its next meeting, which will be held from June 24 to July 6, 2012, in Saint Petersburg, Russia.

In this meeting, the World Heritage Committee will consider adding 36 new sites to the World Heritage List, constituting five natural sites, three "mixed sites" and 28 cultural sites - including Bali's Subak system.(IGT)