Momentum Idulfitri at Keraton Surakarta: Menbud strengthens synergy for cultural preservation

SURAKARTA - The Minister of Culture of the Republic of Indonesia, Fadli Zon, inspected the Surakarta Hadiningrat Palace complex which is planned to be revitalized as part of a series of working visits to a number of locations in Surakarta. The Minister of Culture emphasized that the Surakarta Hadiningrat Kasunanan Palace has an important position as a center of Javanese culture that holds historical values, traditions, and a long civilization. The Ministry of Culture continues to encourage efforts to revitalize the palace, museum, and cultural areas gradually and sustainably.

According to the Minister, revitalization does not only focus on physical improvements to buildings, but also includes strengthening the historical narrative, professional management, and the use of technology to improve public experience. With this approach, the Kraton is expected to develop as a flagship destination that integrates cultural, historical, religious, and educational tourism.

"Kasunanan Surakarta Hadiningrat Palace is one of the centers of Javanese cultural civilization that has great potential to become a world-class cultural destination. Through planned and collaborative revitalization, we want to present a living, competitive, and sustainable cultural area," said the Minister of Culture.

He also reminded that the status of the Keraton as a national heritage area requires shared responsibility in maintaining, caring for, and preserving the values contained therein, as mandated by the constitution to advance national culture in the midst of world civilization.

During the series of activities, the Minister of Culture reviewed a number of areas in the Keraton environment, including Siti Hinggil and the Keraton Museum, to see the condition of the building and the potential for developing the area as a cultural destination.

In addition, the Minister of Culture also reviewed the Keraton Kilen area which is planned to be revitalized. This review is the initial part of the revitalization planning process which includes technical studies, mapping, and the development of concepts for the use of the area.

"This Kilen Palace has a very important historical value. We will conduct a thorough study, planning, and mapping process, with the target of implementation starting this year. In the future, this area will be developed as part of an open museum that can be accessed by the public," said the Minister of Culture.

On this occasion, Menbud also attended the Idulfitri Gathering at the Keraton Kasunanan Surakarta Hadiningrat which was held at Sasana Handrawina. This event became a momentum for gathering and strengthening mutual commitment in the protection, development, and utilization of the Keraton cultural heritage area as a national cultural heritage.

In his remarks, the Minister of Culture conveyed Eid al-Fitr greetings to the entire Keraton family and the invited guests who attended. He emphasized that the tradition of greeting is part of the wealth of Indonesian culture which reflects the values of togetherness, forgiveness, and strengthening social harmony in the community.

Panembahan Tedjowulan as the executor of the protection, development, and utilization of the Keraton Kasunanan Surakarta Hadiningrat cultural heritage area said that Idulfitri is an important momentum to strengthen unity in the Keraton environment. He invited the entire Keraton family to prioritize common interests for the progress and sustainability of the Keraton.

Panembahan Tedjowulan also expressed his appreciation for the presence of the Minister of Culture and his staff, as well as the government's support in efforts to preserve the palace. He emphasized that the plan to revitalize the Keraton area will be implemented gradually, sustainably, and requires the synergy of various parties.

"Idulfitri is a momentum for all of us to return to harmony, strengthen togetherness, and prioritize the interests of the palace above personal and group interests, for the continuity and progress of the Kasunanan Surakarta Hadiningrat Palace," he said.

Present at this event were the Mayor of Surakarta, Respati Achmad Ardianto; the large family of the Surakarta Hadiningrat Kasunanan Palace; and representatives of the Surakarta city government. Also accompanying the Minister of Culture in this activity were, among others, the Director General of Cultural and Traditional Protection, Restu Gunawan; Special Staff to the Minister for Protocol and Household, Rachmanda Primayuda; Special Staff to the Minister for Law and Intellectual Property, B.R.A. Putri Woelan Sari Dewi; Secretary of the Directorate General of Cultural and Traditional Protection, Wawan Yogaswara; Director of Cultural Heritage, I Made Dharma Suteja; and Director of History and Museums, Agus Mulyana.

Closing the series of events, the Minister of Culture emphasized that this social gathering was not only a face-to-face event, but also a momentum to strengthen mutual commitment in advancing national culture. He also hopes that the Kasunanan Surakarta Hadiningrat Palace can continue to develop as an icon of Indonesian culture that plays an active role at the national and global levels, in line with the constitutional mandate to advance culture in the midst of world civilization.