The 2003 UNESCO Convention aims to engage governments in ICH safeguarding, with the widest possible collaboration of stakeholders such as communities, groups, NGOs, and where applicable, individuals1. In this context, the government ideally includes Central, Provincial or State, and Local (District of Municipal) governments. It is an important point that among these strata of governments, it is surely local governments that have the maximum direct interaction with and influence upon, the said communities, groups, and individuals through who are hoped to be encouraged to safeguard ICH in their respective places. The Convention also aims to identify and disseminate information regarding good safeguarding practices of ICH2. The Indonesian Heritage Network—Jaringan Kota Pusaka Indonesia (JKPI)—is a good example of networking among local governments for safeguarding ICH.

The 2003 Convention for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity aims at safeguarding ICH for its own sake. However, it can also bring other benefits. This article describes how safeguarding and transmission of ICH—in this case traditional performing arts—revived the spirit and enthusiasm of the children of Aceh in the wake of the terrible tsunami that struck the Indonesian province in December 2004.