Batu, en.SERU.co.id – The traditional art form unique to Batu City, Seni Sanduk (Sanduk Art), has officially been designated as Indonesia’s Intangible Cultural Heritage (Warisan Budaya Takbenda or WBTb). This recognition was marked by the handover of the Designation Certificate from the Minister of Culture of the Republic of Indonesia, received by Batu Mayor Nurochman at Taman Krida Budaya Jatim in Malang City on Sunday afternoon, February 22, 2026.
The certificate was presented by East Java Governor Khofifah Indar Parawansa, symbolizing the state’s acknowledgment of the rich cultural heritage that has flourished within the Batu community. This achievement represents a historic milestone and a special gift for the city’s arts practitioners, following a lengthy nomination process that spanned nearly seven years until final approval by the Ministry of Culture.
“Alhamdulillah, just like the Bantengan and Jaran Kepang arts that achieved WBTb status earlier, we all know that Seni Sanduk is a traditional dance that has long been preserved and cultivated across various areas of our beloved city,” exclaimed Mayor Nurochman after the event.
Mayor Nurochman expressed profound gratitude and the highest appreciation to all community elements and arts practitioners who have consistently maintained the existence of Seni Sanduk. He emphasized that it is more than mere entertainment—it’s a generational inheritance that forms a vital part of Batu’s cultural identity and expression.
The Batu City Government affirmed that efforts will not end with the ceremonial designation alone.
“Strategic steps have been prepared to ensure Seni Sanduk remains vibrant amid the tide of modernization,” stated Cak Nur, as the mayor is affectionately known.
Cak Nur highlighted the city’s commitment to promoting regeneration through intensive guidance for the younger generation, encouraging them to love and master Seni Sanduk. Additional measures include providing broader performance platforms at formal events and festivals, as well as positioning it as a key attraction in the region’s tourism and cultural agenda.
In her remarks, Governor Khofifah Indar Parawansa stressed that the designation of 46 Intangible Cultural Heritages in East Java for 2026 is a collective responsibility. She noted that the provincial government is committed to ensuring these heritages remain alive and deliver economic benefits to communities.
“The East Java Provincial Government will continue to synergize with district and city governments to keep these cultural heritages thriving, passed down across generations, and providing social and economic value to society,” she asserted.
With this official WBTb status, Seni Sanduk now stands alongside other national cultural treasures, further strengthening Batu City’s position as a tourism destination rich in traditional values. (dik/ono)
