Preservation Of Keris Nusantara, Fadli Zon Affirms The Importance Of Cultural Education And Creation
Minister of Culture Fadli Zon officially closed the 2025 Keris National Jambore which was held at the Surakarta Hadiningrat Palace. This national-scale cultural event is an important momentum in the preservation of Indonesia's intangible cultural heritage, especially keris, which has been recognized by UNESCO since November 25, 2005.
The Jambore Nasional Keris 2025 lasts for four days, from June 23 to 26, with various cultural agendas such as Keris exhibitions, heirloom carnivals, workshops, and Keris-making competitions. In his remarks, Menbud Fadli Zon encouraged the strengthening of Keris literacy, as well as the development of young empu creations to make keris survive in the midst of modern society.
"We will support this activity in a sustainable manner through the Indonesian Fund. Hopefully, this program can be inclusive and reach out to Keris cultural actors throughout Indonesia," said Fadli Zon in front of hundreds of participants.
Keris As A Cultural Identity Of The Archipelago
This event was initiated by the Surakarta Palace together with Keris associations such as the Tosan Aji Karanganyar (Pataka) Bumi Lawu Association. Also present to open the event, KGPH Hangabeh and the Chairman of the GKR Customary Council, Wandansari Koes Morertiyah, emphasized the importance of maintaining the identity of Indonesian culture through a keris.
"Jambore is not only a gathering event, but also a tangible form of ancestral cultural preservation," said Chief Executive Dayu Handoko.
Dayu hopes that Keris National Jambore can become an annual agenda and a forum for empus, Sprinkling MSME players, as well as tosan aji fans from various regions.
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Menbud Fadli also emphasized the importance of cultural education through institutions such as ISI Surakarta which already has a special D4 Keris study program. He hopes that more women and the younger generation will be born who are studying the art of making keris.
"Until now there have been 16 women who have studied at ISI Surakarta. This is a step forward for the regeneration of empu keris," he explained.
At the close of Jambore, the Minister of Education handed over the Minister's Cup to the winners of the Tosan Aji Contest, Enggal Foundation, which underwent several categories such as: Best Classic, Best Tinatah, Best Contemporary, Best of The Best, Best Work Empu.
In addition to being a competition event, this activity also provides education to the younger generation about noble values behind each Keris bar.
Support From Government And Cultural Figures
Jambore closure was also attended by Surakarta Mayor Respati Achmad Ardianto, Chairman of the GKR Keraton Customary Institute Koes Morertiyah, Chairman of MAKIN KPH Eddy Wirabumi, and KGPH Hangabeh. From the Ministry of Culture, Special Staff and structural officials were present to fully support this cultural conservation activity.
Keris is not just an heirloom, but a reflection of the philosophy and civilization of the nation. We are committed to making keris the heart of Indonesian cultural identity," said KGPH Hangabeh.