Heritage is big business today. From tourism to cultural preservation, both the state and private sector are investing in it. But beyond the buzz, how deeply do we understand the cultural and aesthetic foundations of Malay-Indonesian heritage?

This course offers a fresh, insightful look at the evolving discourse of heritage and aesthetics in Malay-Indonesian society, with a particular focus on intangible cultural heritage - traditions, values, and expressions that are often overlooked but deeply shape communal identity.

You will explore questions such as:

• Why are certain heritage forms gaining attention now?
• How are politics, power, and preservation connected in heritage recognition?
• What makes something “beautiful” or “worthy” of conservation within a local cultural context?

Through historical case studies, theoretical insights, and real-world examples, this course will:

1. Unpack key forms of intangible heritage that are currently gaining prominence, and explore the societal forces driving this interest
2. Survey and reflect on past and present efforts to document and preserve heritage, and identify gaps and opportunities for future research
3. Introduce methods to document heritage and explain why public discourse is essential to meaningful heritage planning
4. Explore aesthetics from a Southeast Asian perspective, including how concepts of beauty, clarity, and ethical values are culturally embedded

Whether you are in heritage planning, education, the arts, cultural policy, or simply curious about Southeast Asia’s rich traditions, this course encourages you to think critically and creatively about what we choose to preserve and why it matters.

Medium of Instruction: English