Traditional Craftsmanship, Between Bias and Recognition as Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH), Case Study of Buleleng (Bali, Indonesia) and South Korea

Since the enactment of Law No. 5 of 2017 on Cultural Advancement, grassroots efforts in the preservation and registration of intangible cultural heritage have intensified. This aligns with the broader agenda of the Indonesian Ministry of Education, Culture, Research, and Technology, which aims to deepen the understanding of culture and transform it into a driver of sustainable economic development for communities. However, cultural heritage, particularly intangible cultural heritage, is often narrowly defined in terms of performing arts in various regions. One form of intangible cultural heritage that has proven to drive local economies in a sustainable way is craftsmanship, which is also a focus of cultural advancement. Nevertheless, attention to traditional skills remains relatively low, with many traditional craftsmanship facing the risk of extinction due to a lack of interest among younger generations as well as by local authorities. Through a literature review, discussions with practitioners, and comparisons with intangible cultural heritage preservation efforts in South Korea, this article aims to highlight the existing bias in the preservation of craftsmanship as part of intangible cultural heritage in Indonesia, particularly in Bali. It also seeks to illustrate the positive impacts that can be achieved through greater attention to the preservation of craftsmanship.