Mandauganggang, A Thousand Dancers And Commitments To Return Home Knives Become Regional Cultural Ambassadors

JAKARTA - Minister of Culture Fadli Zon received a visit from the Regent of Pulang Pisau, Ahmad Rifa'i, at the Ministry of Culture Building, Jakarta, Wednesday, July 30. The meeting discussed a concrete strategy for preserving local culture, as well as opening up opportunities for synergy between the center and the regions.

For Regent Ahmad Rifa'i, culture is not just a legacy, but the identity and strength of Pulang Pisau. He emphasized his commitment to make his area a regional cultural ambassador in Central Kalimantan.

Since the beginning of my tenure, I was determined that Pulang Pisau had a strong identity. We have held a colossal Mandau Dance involving 1,000 dancers. Alhamdulillah, this activity broke the MURI World Record," said Ahmad Rifa'i.

Not only that, the Pulang Pisau Regency Government has also designated the mandau handle as an icon of regional culture. This symbol, according to Rifa'i, holds a deep philosophy. Mandaugang is not just an ornament. It is a symbol of the character of our society, the result of a collective deliberation that reflects the values and pride of the culture of Pulang Pisau," he explained.

Pulang Pisau is a multicultural area. Apart from the Dayak Ngaju community as the majority, there are also Javanese and other tribes that live side by side. Local governments actively embrace all cultural elements. We fully support cross-ethnic activities, because cultural forces were born from togetherness," added Rifai.

Responding to this, Menbud Fadli Zon expressed his appreciation. According to him, what the Pulang Pisau Regency Government is doing is in line with the vision of advancing national culture. He promised to support regional needs, including the provision of artistic equipment such as leather wayang performance devices.

"We are ready to assist and facilitate. Commitment like this is what we need to maintain regional culture," said Fadli Zon.

Director of Cultural Value Empowerment and Intellectual Property Facilitation Yayuk Sri Budi Rahayu, added that the Ministry of Culture has strategic programs such as the School Entrance Artist Movement (GSMS) and Cultural Facilitation Government Assistance. He invited Pulang Pisau to be active in these programs.

This meeting was also attended by the Chairman of the Pulang DPRD Pisau Tandean Indra Bela, Secretary Tony Harisinta, Sekwan Hendra, and Director of the Muliyanto Budihardjo Hospital. The ministry was present by the Director General of Cultural Development Ahmad Mahendra, Special Staff to the Minister for History Basuki Teguh Yuwono, Expert Staff for Economic Affairs Anindita Kusuma, and other officials.

The Ministry of Culture affirms its support for areas that actively preserve local heritage. With continued collaboration, Pulang Pisau is believed to be a strong and sustainable community-based cultural development model.