Reading out a declaration at the closing ceremony of the two-day WHC conference here, host Surakarta Mayor Joko Widodo said doing so would give the cities a distinct image and encourage a vibrant cultural lifestyle at various levels of community.

"A clear policy, strategy and implementation program needs to be developed in each city," read Joko Widodo, popularly known as Jokowi.

The Solo Declaration, named after Surakarta's alternate name, underscored that outstanding cultural works of the past be maintained and preserved so current and future generations could learn, understand and enjoy the wisdom and experience of the past.

"Cultural heritage produces inspiration and motivation as well as economic potential and input for further cultural development," the nine-point declaration stated.

Representatives of participating cities also highlighted in the declaration the importance of local, national, regional and international efforts to protect, preserve and revitalize traditional culture and knowledge.

The conference, attended by some 450 delegates, acknowledged cultural diversity and multicultural understanding was a basic foundation on which to build a harmonious world.

The understanding and appreciation of the world's rich and diverse cultural heritage can contribute to multicultural understanding and friendship across regions and countries, the conference agreed.

Also in attendance Tuesday were OWHC Secretary-General Denis Richard, OWHC Coordinator of Euro-Asia Secretariat Ressikh Sagitov and chairman of the Indonesian Heritage Trust Setyanto P. Santosa.

The conference was part of a six-day WHC conference and expo held from Saturday to Thursday, which also presented a series of workshops on wayang (Javanese shadow puppets), keris (traditional double-edged daggers), gamelan (traditional Javanese percussion ensemble) and batik.

Speaking at a joint press conference held after the closing ceremony, Setyanto, also a member of the conference's organizing committee, said the declaration was the beginning of a long struggle to preserve heritage in Indonesia, following its signing by government officials.

"What we have witnessed so far here in the country is that local administrations are the main perpetrators in the destruction of our heritage," Setyanto said.

He added many administrations had turned heritage buildings and sites into modern shopping malls in their bids to attract more visitors and hence more money.

"They forget that malls abroad are much bigger and more attractive," Setyanto said.

Jokowi expressed similar sentiments, saying the declaration held strategic values of promoting Indonesian cities as new tourism destinations.

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