Awarded The Title Of Tengger Community Elderly, Minister Of Culture Fadli Zon Affirms Culture Is The Power Of The Nation

ProBOLINGGO - Minister of Culture Fadli Zon was officially awarded the title of Honorary Citizen of the Tengger Community at the Yadnya Kasada 2025 Reception at the Ngadisari Great Hall, Probolinggo, East Java, Tuesday, June 10 evening. The title was given as a form of respect for Fadli's dedication to national cultural protection and promotion, especially his commitment to the indigenous people of Tengger.

"Culture is an endless wealth, and is inherited across generations. In the midst of the current of globalization, culture is the foundation of the nation's development and identity," said Fadli Zon in his remarks.

The honorary title was handed over by Father Dukun Pandita Sutomo, the traditional Tengger maker, in front of traditional leaders and inter-institutional officials. Apart from Fadli, a number of national and regional figures also received similar awards, including: Director of Trust in God Almighty and the Indigenous Society, Regent and Deputy Regent of Probolinggo, Mayor and Deputy Mayor of Probolinggo, Chairman of the DPRD and elements of the Probolinggo Regency Forkopimda and Officials of the Ministry of Forestry and Bromo Tengger Semeru National Park.

Fadli said, Indonesia has not become a big force in the economic, political, or military sectors. But culturally, Indonesia is already a superpower. Our culture is megadiversity from Sabang to Merauke. National assets that cannot be claimed by other nations," he said.

He also emphasized that culture is a soft power that forms civilization and strengthens Indonesia's position in global diplomacy.

Plt. East Java Governor Emil Elestianto Dardak, who was also present, said that culture is an irreplaceable comparative advantage. "Culture cannot be mass produced or claimed to be arbitrary. Therefore, culture is a development priority in East Java," he said.

Yadnya Kasada itself is a sacred traditional ceremony for the Tengger community which is held every year on the 14th night until the 15th day of the month of Kasada. In this ritual, residents present the produce of the earth to the crater of Mount Bromo as a form of gratitude and respect for Sang Hyang Widhi and his ancestors.

That night's reception became a meeting room between spiritual values, awards for nature, and intergenerational cultural commitments. Fadli Zon was present accompanied by a number of special staff, Director General of Cultural Protection, and Head of the XI Region Cultural Preservation Center.

Closing his remarks, Fadli invited all parties to strengthen the synergy of maintaining culture. "I appreciate the Tengger community who consistently care for these noble values. May God's grace always be with us all," he concluded.