The Indonesian keris (dagger) has been acknowledged by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) as a world heritage, Rector of the Hindu Dharma Indonesia Institute (IHDN) Professor Dr I Nengah Duija said.

According to Indonesia's Antara news agency the rector said that this recognition was given due to its high philosophical value.

"The philosophic values include the embodiment of the strength of the superstructure (the universe), cosmological value and authoritative value," Duija stated here on Friday.

Kris also has esthetic values of completing clothing, customs, culture and art, as well as high economic value.

The Indonesian keris, including the one from Bali, has been acknowledged as a world heritage in terms of use in human activities, including as a hobby and in Hindu rituals.

According to Duija, besides showing cultural excellence, keris is also a cultural symbol of human civilization on Earth that has been able to survive through the centuries.

He added that keris also reflects a value of solidarity as it can be used across cultures and as a national souvenir.

The recognition of a masterpiece of human civilisation given by the UNESCO to the Indonesian keris has made it known to the world. Therefore, it requires conservation and maintenance.

The Bali community upholds the meaning and sacred value of keris with a ritual known as Tumpek Landep Day, which is celebrated every 210 days.

This is a sacred ritual that involves offerings for all types of sharp objects, including keris and other traditional weapons.

This time, Tumpek Landep for the Hindus in Bali will be celebrated on Saturday.

People will pray for safety to the manifestation of the God of Weapons in the form of iron, silver and gold.