Minister Fadli Zon Encourages Revitalization Of The Old Banten Antiquities Museum: Live History Narratives

JAKARTA - "How can we understand the identity of the nation if we don't liven up the historical narrative?" That was the question asked by the Minister of Culture, Fadli Zon, when inaugurating the revitalization of the Old Banten Antiquities Site Museum (MSKBL) in Banten Province, Saturday (20/1). This statement became the basis for strengthening cultural policies, especially in the preservation and development of historical sites.

This museum, which is now equipped with interactive technology and temporary exhibitions, is a symbol of cultural revival in Banten. This revitalization is expected to make the museum more than just a place to store artifacts, but rather a center for education, literacy and cultural innovation, "said Fadli. This museum holds more than 1,000 artifacts that witnessed the glory of the Sultanate of Banten.

Throughout 2024, the museum recorded visits of more than 60,000 tourists. Fadli emphasized the importance of cross-sectoral synergy to maintain the sustainability of cultural sites like this. "The Old Banten must be a national pride that is able to inspire the younger generation," he said.

Inmates Of Historical Tilas On Historical Sites

In addition to inaugurating the museum, Fadli also reviewed several important sites, including Fort Speelwijk, Keraton Kaibon, and Keraton Surosowan. He emphasized that these sites are historical reminders that must be maintained and developed. This preservation is our responsibility to the future. We must liven up the narrative of history so that our identity as a nation is not lost," he said.

Fadli also proposed documentation of Sheikh Yusuf's house, a recognized national hero to South Africa, as well as determination of Cornelis de Houtman's first landing site at Banten Port. "The reconstruction of this event is important to enrich our understanding of history," he added.

During his visit, Fadli targeted the Old Banten to be included in this year's national cultural heritage list. Banten has extraordinary cultural wealth, but the Intangible Cultural Heritage (WBTb) from Banten has only recorded 32 out of 2,213 national WBTb. We must push this further," he said.

He also visited the Great Mosque of Banten, a symbol of cultural acculturation that combines the architecture of Java, China, and Europe. Fadli emphasized that culture must be the foundation of nation-building. Cultural preservation can not only be static, but must be dynamic and relevant to the times," he explained.

In a dialogue with the cultural conservation community at the Preservation Center for Culture Region VIII, Fadli highlighted the strengthening of martial arts such as pencak silat and debus through cultural festivals and community activation programs. Cultural community is the spearhead of conservation. The central and regional governments must work together to ensure the cultural ecosystem remains alive," he said.

He also proposed the construction of the Banten Cultural Park as an inclusive space for art and cultural actors. "This park must be a safe place to express as well as a center of cultural interaction," added Fadli.

During his visit, Fadli also visited the former Banten Residency State Building, which now serves as the governor's official residence. He proposed that this building also be used as a public space and a center for cultural arts. "Hory buildings like this must be a link between past heritage and current needs," he said.

At the end of his remarks, Fadli emphasized that the revitalization of cultural sites in Banten was not only to commemorate the past, but also to build future inspiration. Banten is the center of the archipelago civilization. We must ensure the preservation of this culture becomes the strength of the nation in the future," he concluded.