Tuo Ampang Gadang Mosque is Ready to Become a Cultural and Religious Tourism Destination

LIMA PULUH KOTA - The Tuo Ampang Gadang Mosque, which was established since 1834 in Lima Puluh Kota Regency, West Sumatra, is being prepared to become a cultural and religious tourism destination after the first phase of restoration is completed.

The inauguration of the restoration results was carried out by the Minister of Culture Fadli Zon when he visited the cultural heritage mosque, Friday (19/6). The momentum was marked by the signing of an inscription which was witnessed by the Regent of Lima Puluh City Safni Sikumbang and Deputy Regent Ahlul Badrito Resha.

According to Fadli, the work has not stopped on the restoration of the main building. The next phase will focus on arranging the area, fencing, and providing historical information which is targeted to be completed in 2026.

"We work in collaboration between the central government, provincial governments, district and city governments, the private sector, and people who care about culture," said Fadli.

He assessed that the success of the preservation of historic buildings is not only determined by physical renovation, but also how the site remains alive and is used by the community.

Therefore, the government encourages the activation of the area so that the Tuo Ampang Gadang Mosque remains a part of the social, cultural, and religious life of the local community.

Fadli also assessed that the mosque holds historical value that can still be investigated further, including the possibility of its connection with the development of the tarekat tradition in the past.

The Regent of Lima Puluh City, Safni Sikumbang, welcomed the restoration. According to the Regent, the preservation of the Tuo Ampang Gadang Mosque is in line with the regional development agenda as well as efforts to preserve the Minangkabau cultural heritage.

The next phase of restoration will target the mosque tower built in 1901. The tower has a unique architectural character that combines elements of Minangkabau culture and Mughal influences from Central Asia.

The government has also prepared the development of an area around the mosque into an integrated tourist destination that includes cultural tourism, historical tourism, religious tourism, culinary tourism, and natural tourism.

Hopefully, the existence of this historical site will not only preserve the traces of the past, but also provide economic benefits for the surrounding community.

Tuo Ampang Gadang Mosque is one of the important historical buildings in West Sumatra that still maintains its architectural character and social-religious functions until now.