Menbud Affirms Commitment To Sustainability, Karo Cultural Performance In Banten

JAKARTA Karo's cultural colors are seen in the middle of Serang City. Thousands of pairs of eyes were amazed when the Five Serangkai Dances, Piso Surit, and the Five Marga Dance danced on the Karo Cultural Performance stage held by the United Banten Karo Community (KBB) at the Aspiration Building of the Banten Provincial Government, Saturday, June 28.

In the midst of boisterous applause, the Minister of Culture of the Republic of Indonesia, Fadli Zon, stood at the forefront. He came not just a guest. In his remarks, he emphasized his strong commitment to ensuring that Karo's culture was not destroyed by the times.

"I am very happy to be here to witness the richness of Indonesian culture, from Sabang to Merauke, Miangas to Rote," said Fadli. "I have visited 101 countries. But nothing is comparable to our culture."

According to him, Karo culture is one of the priceless heritages. The art of dance, traditional music, traditional clothing, and local wisdom are important parts of Indonesian mosaics.

"We have to make sure this culture remains alive. It should not be lost in time. The younger generation must recognize and be proud of its legacy," he said.

Fadli emphasized that culture is as fragile as language. If it is not treated, it will slowly disappear. The flow of global information is also a big challenge. "If we don't continue with our children, it will be very dangerous. They can be foreign from their own culture," he added.

For him, this performance is not just a show. This is an important momentum towards Indonesia Gold 2045. "Culture is the foundation of national development, the mandate of the constitution," he said.

In the notes of the Ministry of Culture, Karo Culture has been recognized as a national intangible cultural heritage. Starting from the architecture of traditional houses, Tari Guru-Guru Arom, Tortor Sombah, Merdang Merdem ritual, to the oral expression of Berahoi. "In every dance, song, language, traditional clothing, there are noble values that cannot be judged with material," explained Fadli.

He also quoted the phrase "Karo Erahan" as the Megersing cultural content, which means that culture is born from habits and behavior that is maintained diligently.

This performance was attended by around 1,000 invitations. A number of figures were present, including Karo Musa Bangun, Abuya Muhtadi cleric, Banten Governor Andra Soni, KBB Chairman Karpen Ginting, Batak Trustee Karo Banten Bersatu Dr. Ucok Damenta, Banten DPRD Chairman Fahmi Hakim, Banten Police Chief Inspector General Suyudi Ario Seto, and Danrem 064 Maulana Yusuf.

In addition to dance performances, young singer Lyodra Margareta Ginting who won the talent search event also amazed the audience. The highlight of the event was marked by theappropriation of the Karo Cultural Ambassador as a symbol of the regeneration of cultural conservation.

The chairman of the committee, Arifin Suang, emphasized that the purpose of this performance was not just entertainment. "We want the younger generation in overseas to know their origins, even though they are far from Tanah Karo," he said.

On this occasion, Minister Fadli was accompanied by the Director of Cultural Value Empowerment Yayuk Sri Budi Rahayu and the Head of the Cultural Preservation Center for Region VIII Lita Rahmiati.

In the series of remarks, Fadli expressed great hope. "Karo culture must be known, studied, and loved not only by the people of Karo, but by the whole nation, even the world."

He emphasized that the Ministry of Culture will continue to support cultural conservation as part of the implementation of Law no. 5 of 2017 concerning the Advancement of Culture.