Artists from Indonesia, Malaysia and Singapore Unite Shared Heritage in Yogyakarta

YOGYAKARTA, INDONESIA – Artists from Indonesia, Malaysia and Singapore are bringing Southeast Asia’s shared cultural heritage to the stage through two collaborative performances, HUTAN and Rumah dari Lidah, in Yogyakarta from October 6 to 10, 2026.

The programme, titled Embracing Shared Heritage through Performing Arts, is organised by UNESCO in partnership with Temasek Foundation. It brings together artists and cultural practitioners from the three countries to explore the histories, traditions and identities shaped by generations of migration and cultural exchange across the region.

The two performances approach shared heritage from different perspectives. HUTAN uses the forest as a starting point to explore the relationship between people, nature and cultural memory. The production combines movement, sound, objects, spices and sensory experiences to encourage audiences to reflect on connections between communities and their environment.

HUTAN was presented on October 6–7 at Kampoeng Media as part of the Pesta Boneka festival. The production also emphasises accessibility, including engagement with children with disabilities and their families.

Meanwhile, Rumah dari Lidah, or House of the Tongue, explores Peranakan culture, shaped by the movement of people, languages, food, objects and ideas across Indonesia, Malaysia and Singapore. The production is scheduled for October 9–10 at Studio Banjarmili in Sleman Regency as part of the Bedog Arts Festival.

Director Melati Suryodarmo said the production aims to make room for diverse personal experiences, fragments of history, languages, food traditions and memories that shape Peranakan identity. The approach presents culture as something evolving rather than fixed or uniform.

The programme also includes workshops, artist discussions, traditional games and culinary activities. These events give audiences opportunities to engage with cultural heritage through direct participation, extending the experience beyond performances on stage.

UNESCO and Temasek Foundation developed the initiative to strengthen cross-cultural collaboration and help artists create new work together. Launched in 2025, the regional programme is scheduled to continue through 2027, involving artists, researchers, students and cultural practitioners from the three countries.

The collaboration highlights how Southeast Asia’s cultural heritage extends beyond national borders. Traditions continue to evolve through migration, language and shared experiences while remaining an important part of the identities of the communities that sustain them.