Minister of Culture asks Bung Karno's exile house to be "turned on", Bengkulu should not be a silent museum

BENGKULU - The Minister of Culture of the Republic of Indonesia, Fadli Zon, asked that the Bung Karno Exile House in Bengkulu not be left as a site that is photographed and then abandoned. He encouraged the historic location to be activated as an educational center and a living cultural space, especially to attract the younger generation.

Menbud Fadli conveyed this during a visit to the Bung Karno Exile House, Bengkulu, Wednesday, February 25. He emphasized that the exile sites of the founders of the nation are "living witnesses" of the struggle, so that their value will be lost if they are only physically maintained without a program that makes them relevant.

"The founders of our nation were exiled in various regions. Bung Karno in Ende and Bengkulu. Bung Hatta from Digul to Banda Naira. Bung Syahrir also from Digul to Banda Naira, then moved to Sukabumi. These places are witnesses to their lives in fighting for Indonesian independence," said Fadli.

He reminded Bung Karno that the Dutch colonial government exiled him to Bengkulu in 1938-1942, after previously being in Ende in 1934-1938. In Bengkulu, Soekarno was not just "waiting for time". He was actively discussing, interacting with religious figures, community leaders, and local cultural figures. The collection at the exile house - including the script for the Monte Carlo play and various readings - is a trace of his intellectual activities.

As a National Heritage Site, the exile house is considered to have great potential to become an information and learning center as well as a cultural recreation destination. Bengkulu also has a special position in national history because in this city Bung Karno met Fatmawati, who would later sew the Red and White Heritage Flag.

"We hope that more and more young generations will come and learn from this place. This site has been well arranged, and in the future it needs to continue to be activated through cultural activities," said Fadli.

The activation in question, according to him, can take the form of art activities, poetry readings, musical performances, cultural discussions, to reading rooms or mini libraries. He also assessed that supporting facilities - such as typical Bengkulu coffee and traditional cuisine - can strengthen the attraction of visits, especially for young people and tourists outside the area.

During the visit, Fadli was accompanied by, among others, the Director General of Cultural and Traditional Protection Restu Gunawan, Special Staff for Protocol and Household Rachmanda Primayuda, Head of the Regional Cultural Preservation Center VII Iskandar, and the Bengkulu Provincial Government.