Bringing Keris Philosophy to Life in Cultural Literacy, the Minister of Culture Launches the Book "Taksu Keris Bali"

JAKARTA – The Minister of Culture of the Republic of Indonesia, Fadli Zon, launched his latest book, "Taksu Keris Bali," co-authored with Basuki Teguh Yuwono, the Minister's Special Staff for History and Cultural Heritage Protection. The book launch took place at the Neka Art Museum in Ubud, Gianyar. The event was part of a series of events, "Harmony in Cultural Advancement."

In his remarks, Minister Fadli emphasized that literacy is a crucial foundation for promoting cultural advancement. "Efforts to promote cultural advancement require adequate literacy. Currently, there are still limited books on culture. We need to encourage a culture of writing and studies in the fields of arts and culture so that they can serve as adequate educational materials, especially books that can be used as references for millennials and Generation Z," said Minister Fadli.

Furthermore, Minister Fadli explained the background to writing the book "Taksu Keris Bali." "This book attempts to explore the values ​​behind the physical or material aspects of the keris. The meaning, value, good fortune, and magic of a keris, designed from the manufacturing process, ceremonies, functions, and even its presence in spiritual ceremonies, are discussed in this book. Hopefully, this book can provide more in-depth information about the significance of the keris from an intangible perspective," he explained.

The book "Taksu Keris Bali" (Bali Keris Taksu) is an effort to enrich Indonesian cultural literacy. It not only describes the keris as an heirloom, but also explores the meaning of the keris as a manifestation of values, beliefs, and spiritual power in Balinese life. It discusses the journey of the keris, from its creation process, the philosophy of its form, its good fortune, to its role in rituals and the community's spiritual life.

In his remarks, Minister of Culture Fadli Zon emphasized that cultural literacy is a crucial pillar in the strategy for cultural advancement. "Through writing this book, we want to encourage the younger generation to understand that the keris is not only an ancestral heritage, but also a source of values ​​that are continually alive and relevant. Culture must continue, because it is a unifying force for the nation," he said.

Minister Fadli also highlighted the importance of the Balinese keris in Indonesian cultural diplomacy. "The Balinese keris holds extraordinary artistic and philosophical value. As a UNESCO-recognized intangible cultural heritage, the keris is not only a work of art, but also a symbol of friendship and respect. President Prabowo Subianto often presents Balinese keris as gifts to world leaders," he explained.

The launch of the Taksu Keris Bali also coincided with a strategic step to strengthen the keris industry. In his capacity as Chairman of the Indonesian Keris National Secretariat (SNKI), Minister of Culture Fadli inaugurated the SNKI Regional Coordinator for Bali Province, as part of an effort to strengthen the organization's network, which currently encompasses more than 220 keris associations throughout Indonesia.

In addition, a Keris Competency Test was held by the Keris Institute (LSP Perkerisan), with participants from keris culture practitioners in Bali. This competency test is a strategic step in promoting professional standardization in the keris industry. The focus is not only on preserving keris products but also on developing superior and standardized human resources. The keris cultural ecosystem itself is vast, encompassing no fewer than 29 professions, from keris creators and keris conservators to keris curators. Standardization of all these fields is essential to maintain the sustainability and quality of the keris ecosystem.

Through the book "Taksu Keris Bali," the Ministry of Culture affirms its commitment to providing cultural literature that can reach across generations, while simultaneously strengthening the role of the Balinese keris as a global cultural icon, embodying profound values, philosophy, and spirituality.