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ix out of 10 Indonesian tangible and intangible heritage resources, recognized as world heritage sites and cultural masterpieces by UNESCO, are being promoted at Plaza Simpang Lima, Semarang, Central Java in an effort to encourage youths to appreciate local culture.

The six heritage resources are mostly from Java, and include tangible sites Borobudur temple, the Prambanan temple and the Sangiran archeological excavation site — all situated in Central Java — as well as the intangible masterpieces of batik, wayang kulit (leather puppets) and kris (Javanese dagger).

In the event, held by the Central Java Culture and Tourism Agency, replicas of a number of temples are on display, alongside wayang characters and pieces of batik.

In addition to miniatures of Borobudur and Prambanan, replicas of other temples like the Sewu temple, the Lumbung temple and the Bubrah temple are also exhibited.

Five guides from the Central Java Heritage Center are on duty at the venue to assist visitors and offer explanations about the objects on display during the event.

The head of the history and archaeology division at the agency, Suhardi, said the exhibition was aimed at promoting the six heritage resources among young people.

“Nowadays, people, especially youngsters, like to go to the mall. It [the mall] has become the center of people’s activity of all ages in town. That’s why we are holding this event at the mall, not at a museum,” Suhardi explained during the exhibition.

“So we do hope that mall visitors will spare their time to take a look at our display, while doing their shopping,” he added. He said young people could learn about the history or the philosophical meanings of the important parts of their cultural heritage.

“From wayang, for instance, they can learn about the epic wayang tales and the educational aspect behind the stories. They can also admire the various shapes and decorations of kris, while they can also find out about the making of batik and its beautiful motifs,” Suhardi went on.

Dewi Kuncung, head of the Bokor Kencono batik appreciation group in Semarang, said she welcomed this exhibition as it helped to promote batik created by small-scale batik producers from across Central Java.

Dewi displays a number of classical pieces of batik at the event, along with an explanation of their philosophy and production process.

The event has also drawn in a number of foreigners. Natali, a university student from Ukraine, expressed her amazement at the making of wayang, saying that the cultural event helped her better understand Indonesia.

“I’m interested in the traditional puppets because it seems difficult to make them. They also have a lot of models and colors. I think I have to buy them for souvenirs,” said Natali, who is currently studying at Semarang State University. The exhibition will end on Monday.