Two performing arts from Belitung registered as Communal Intellectual Property (KIK)

Dul Mulok and Campak Darat Kamboja Besaot have become the Communal Intellectual Property (KIK) of Belitung. The assignment was inaugurated by Head of the Bangka Belitung Office of the Ministry of Law and Human Rights T Daniel L Tobing who handed over the KIK certificate to Head of the Belitung Education and Culture Office Soebagio on 20 June.

Campak Dancu from Belitung (Source: belitungwonderful)

Citing the belitungisland website, Dul Mulok is a performing art that often tells stories about the kingdoms in Belitung with a comedy wrap to entertain the audience. This show is accompanied by music and is known for its costumes, where the male performers wear sarongs and caps and female performers wear kebaya. According to KIK data, Cambodian Besaot Measles is a dance with drums and violins (pliul) as the accompaniment.

Of all 47 Bangka Belitung KIKs recorded in the Indonesian KIK National Data, only two Traditional Cultural Expressions (EBT) came from Belitung. Bangka Belitung KIK consists of 25 Traditional Cultural Expressions (EBT), 19 Traditional Knowledge (PT), 2 genetic resources (SDG) and 1 geographical indication. 

Dul Mulok Performance from Belitung (Source: belitunginsland)

According to the official website of the Directorate General of Intellectual Property, KI and KIK data centres function to protect and register KIK data from ministries or institutions and facilitate the identification, supervision and prevention of KIK abuse by other parties.

"By His grace, today we get the legality of the appointment and acknowledgment, that the intangible cultural heritage that was proposed several years ago has been recognised and recorded as a communal intellectual property (NRE). That means that these two arts are the original culture of Belitung," said the Head of the Belitung Education and Culture Office Soebagio.

He added that many cultural products are still in the recording and follow-up stages. Other art forms are beregong and eating bedulang.

T Daniel L Tobing encouraged the people of Bangka Belitung to register their intellectual property so that the local culture and traditions obtain legal protection and prevent unauthorised use.

He also called on the public to explore the potential of intellectual property to encourage the growth of the creative economy of Bangka Belitung. "Especially when Belitung has become an international tourist destination, so the international community can learn about Belitung," he added.