The Ministry of Culture has asked the Pariaman city government and West Sumatra provincial government to prepare a nomination for the Tabuik tradition as UNESCO intangible cultural heritage through academic studies and supporting documents.
Deputy Minister of Culture Giring Ganesha conveyed the request while attending the peak of Pesona Budaya Tabuik Piaman 2026 in Pariaman on Sunday, 28 June 2026. He stressed the need for comprehensive academic studies even though the nomination goes through the ministry.
Giring highlighted the uniqueness of Tabuik in its winged ornaments, manufacturing process, and the way it is hoisted before being discarded into the sea. The activity is seen as having a major impact on cultural preservation and the local economy.
Pariaman Mayor Yota Balad expressed readiness to prepare everything needed for Tabuik to enter UNESCO. He hopes the annual cultural event receives international recognition.