BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN: Brunei Darussalam marked a significant cultural milestone with the celebration of pantun’s inscription on the Unesco Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity 2025 during a ceremony held on Sunday (Dec 21).
Pantun was officially inscribed on the Unesco list through an extended joint nomination involving Brunei Darussalam, Indonesia and Malaysia.
The nomination was approved during the 20th Session of the Intergovernmental Committee for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage on Dec 11 in New Delhi, India.
The event, organised by the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports, took place at the Brunei Energy Hub at the Royal Wharf and was held as a gesture of gratitude and appreciation following the international recognition.
Present as the guest of honour at the event was Deputy Permanent Secretary (Culture) at the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports Dr Siti Norkhalbi Wahsalfelah.
Also in attendance were Permanent Secretary (Culture). Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports Pengiran Mohd Hasnan Ali Hassan and India High Commissioner to Brunei Darussalam Ramu Abbagani who later delivered their own pantuns during the event.
In her address, Dr Siti Norkhalbi described the Unesco recognition as a significant achievement that reflects the strength of Malay oral heritage as a vehicle for knowledge, values and cultural identity.
She also stressed the importance of ensuring the continuity of pantun through education, community participation and sustained institutional support.
The exhibition highlighted the historical background of pantun, its diverse forms, social functions and its development in both traditional and contemporary contexts.
The event was further enlivened by cultural performances based on pantun, presented in collaboration with the pantun community. These included traditional songs, children’s songs, bermukun performances and traditional dances.
The organisation of the ceremony reflects the government’s continued commitment to preserving and strengthening intangible cultural heritage in line with the aspirations of Wawasan Brunei 2035, particularly in reinforcing national identity and ensuring the continuity of culture rooted in the philosophy of Malay Islamic Monarchy (MIB). – Borneo Bulletin/ANN
