Siak Palace Begins To Fragile, Government Prepares Great Revitalization

JAKARTA - Efforts to maintain Malay Culture in Siak Regency have full support from the Minister of Culture Fadli Zon. He emphasized the government's commitment to accelerating the revitalization of the historical heritage of the Siak Sultanate, Sri Indrapura, which is one of the centers for the glory of Malay in Indonesia.

"The culture of Malay is an important root of Indonesia's identity. Siak has a big legacy. Don't lose up to time," said Fadli Zon during a meeting with the Regent of Siak, Afni Zulkifli, at the Ministry of Culture Building, Jakarta, Tuesday, November 4.

Siak Regent, Afni Zulkifli explained the condition of the main site. Siak Sri Indrapura Palace, built in the 18th century, was magnificent from outside but many of the insides were fragile. Sultan Siak Mosque and High Meeting Center also need expert handling. Maintaining the palace is the same as maintaining the dignity of Malay Culture," he said.

Siak has 114 cultural heritages, 20 national status; two museums; 13 intangible cultural heritages; and more than 20,000 documents that have been restored. "Not yet to Riau if not to Siak," said Afni.

Dalam dialog tersebut, Afni mengundang Menbud ke Festival Julan Budaya Siak pada 1416 November 2025 yang digelar Balai Pelestarian Wilayah IV Kepulauan Riau. Agenda meliputi pameran wastra dan kuliner, gelar budaya, dan sarasehan di sepanjangan Sungai Siak.

Fadli Zon welcomed the invitation and assessed that preserving local culture is a strategy to strengthen the nation's identity. He emphasized that central and regional cooperation will be strengthened, including technical support for the physical revitalization of the Sultanate's heritage. "Resisting cultural heritage is not only the duty of local governments, but a shared responsibility for maintaining the nation's identity," he concluded.

The meeting closed with a commitment to accelerate the preservation of the legacy of Malay history in Siak.