So The Beginning Of Banten History, Cornelis De Houtman Entrance Monument Inaugurated

BANTEN Minister of Culture Fadli Zon inaugurated the monument to the symbolization of the Cornelis de Houtman entry route in the Banten Lama area, Sunday, October 26. This inauguration is the final part of the series of Sasaka Cibanten 2025 activities with the theme Naritis Cai, Mapag Kabantenan. This event itself was held by the Ministry of Culture through the Cultural Preservation Center (BPK) Region VIII Banten and Jakarta.

Menbud Fadli Zon said the monument marked the beginning of efforts to reconstruct Banten's history as a major port and center of archipelago civilization. Banten has a long history as a center of trade and cultural acculturation. Therefore, we mark the entry point of Cornelis de Houtman as an important part of the nation's historical reconstruction," he said.

According to Menbud Fadli, Banten already had an advanced civilization long before the arrival of the European nation. The Old Banten Mosque was founded in 1527, long before Cornelis de Houtman arrived, as did the Surosowan and Kaibon Palaces. "We want to revive the cultural ecosystem in Banten so that it becomes a cultural tourism and a source of the community's economy," he added.

Menbud Fadli also mentioned plans to restore the Surosowan and Kaibon Palaces as well as use museums around the site as educational spaces. We want the community, especially the younger generation, to learn history through direct experiences on historical sites," he said.

University of Indonesia academics, Prof. R. Cecep Eka Permana, called this monument an important marker of Cornelis de Houtman's arrival to the archipelago. The ship docked on Island Lima because it could not enter the port due to its shallowness. He then went up to Customs, where the excise payment was paid. This is proof that Banten has advanced in trading," he explained.

Prof. Cecep added that a number of findings such as ceramics, currencies, and pottery will be further research material and will be exhibited at the Old Banten Cultural Site Museum.

Head of BPK Region VIII, Lita Rahmiati, said that Sasaka Cibanten is a collective space to reconnect the current of the Banten civilization. The Naritis Cai theme, Mapag Kabantenan describes water as a symbol that flows, brings together, and revives Banten culture," he said.

Also present at this inauguration were the Director General of Culture Protection and Culture Restu Gunawan Tradition, Deputy Mayor of Serang Nur Agis Aulia, Chairman of the DPRD Muji Rohman, Banten Police Chief Inspector General Pol. Hengki, and a number of regional officials.

The Sasaka Cibanten series was previously held at Zero Point Cibanten (45 October) and Banten Girang (1112 October). This activity is the closing of cultural travel that reaffirms the historical and ecological identity of Banten.