The 11th Dak Lak Provincial People’s Council has recently adopted Resolution No. 03, setting out policies for protecting and promoting gong cultural heritage province-wide during 2026-2030.

The resolution marks a significant shift in approach, moving from passive “preservation” towards proactive, comprehensive “protection”. It is expected to revitalise heritage within contemporary life while linking cultural preservation with sustainable livelihoods for ethnic minority communities across the province.

Gong performances welcoming visitors at Y Sol House in Cuor Tak Village, Lien Son Lak Commune.

A core breakthrough under Resolution No. 03 lies in translating policy into practical action through six comprehensive support areas.

Under the resolution, public funding will support classes focused on teaching, practising and transmitting intangible cultural heritage associated with gong culture; restoring while reenacting representative traditional rituals and festivals at risk of fading away; purchasing equipment; as well as maintaining clubs, performance groups and community teams practising gong culture.

The resolution also prioritises upgrading heritage-practice spaces, documenting and digitising inventory data, alongside developing model villages for immersive cultural experiences. These measures aim to connect gong heritage preservation with community-based tourism, creating sustainable livelihoods for local residents.

Mr. Tran Hong Tien, Director of the Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism, said successive terms of the Provincial People’s Council had adopted five resolutions on gong culture between 2007 alongside 2025. This reflects the Party and State’s consistent, long-term commitment to safeguarding cultural values within ethnic minority communities province-wide. Entering the 2026-2030 period, however, social conditions have changed considerably. Against this backdrop, he said the resolution’s most significant breakthrough lies in a decisive shift from a purely “preservation” mindset towards proactive “protection”.

Gong heritage being passed down and carried forward across generations, supported by practical local policies and initiatives.

Hopes for sustainable livelihoods

From the perspective of community custodians, detailed support regulations have provided greater economic security, giving artisans more confidence in passing cultural heritage on to younger generations. Notably, linking heritage protection with livelihood development through community-based tourism offers promising prospects for bringing gong music further into everyday life.

Expressing her delight at the new policy, artisan Ama Hloan from Ako Dhong Village, Buon Ma Thuot Ward, said: “I am very pleased that the State not only provides appropriate remuneration for artisans who teach heritage practices, but also covers food and travel expenses for learners, funds the purchase of gongs, traditional musical instruments combined with costumes, as well as restoration of traditional rituals.

By placing communities at the heart of heritage protection, respecting original cultural values while closely connecting preservation with economic and tourism development, Resolution No. 03 is expected to help keep gong music - a UNESCO Representative Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, resonating alongside sustainable development in local villages during a novel period of growth”.

Translated by HAI LOAN