BENGKULU TENGAH - The Minister of Culture of the Republic of Indonesia, Fadli Zon, emphasized that the restoration of cultural heritage should not stop at physical repairs and the inauguration ceremony. According to him, the buildings that have been restored must be brought to life with narratives, governance, and educational functions, so that they do not become "empty but empty" sites again.
"This mosque is not just a physical building, but a historical footprint and community identity. We have a responsibility to care for the legacy of our predecessors so that this nation does not lose its way," said Fadli when inaugurating the renovation of the Padang Betuah Mosque in Central Bengkulu Regency, Bengkulu Province, Thursday, February 26.
The inauguration was marked by the signing of an inscription. The restoration was carried out through the Bengkulu Regional Cultural Preservation Hall in 2025.
Fadli said the government was speeding up the determination, registration, protection, development, and utilization of cultural heritage in accordance with the mandate of the Cultural Development Law. This year, the Ministry of Culture has restored 152 cultural heritages in various regions, including palaces and royal relics.
He alluded to Bengkulu which has many valuable sites, ranging from Fort Marlborough, Bengkulu Jami Mosque, Bung Karno's Exile House, to the tomb of Sentot Alibasyah Prawirodirjo. According to Fadli, this wealth strengthens the identity of the region, but it will be difficult to have an impact if the management is not neat and collaboration only stops at the level of discourse.
Fadli emphasized that the preservation of cultural heritage is a cross-sectoral collaboration, namely the central government, regions, villages, private sector, communities, and community leaders. He said that the establishment of the Ministry of Culture as a separate ministry was the commitment of President Prabowo Subianto to place culture as the foundation of development.
"Padang Betuah Mosque with its simplicity stores a long story. With a strong narrative and good management, it can become a religious and historical destination that gives a meaningful experience to the community and the younger generation," said Fadli. He hopes that after being restored, the status of this mosque can be raised to a provincial cultural heritage, then proposed as a national cultural heritage.
The Regional Secretary of the Bengkulu Province, Herwan Antoni C., appreciated the support for restoration and emphasized the commitment of the region to maintain cultural heritage. He said that preservation is not only taking care of physical authenticity, but also historical values and identity. "We hope that this restored Padang Betuah Mosque can function optimally as a place of worship, education, and religious tourism," said Herwan.
Head of the Regional Cultural Preservation Center VII Iskandar reported that this mosque is estimated to have stood since the 19th century, around 1823, and has become the spiritual heart of the people of Padang Betuah Village. The architecture of the overlapping roof is considered to reflect the acculturation of local culture and Islamic values. Historically, this mosque is said to be a spiritual space for coastal fighters in Bengkulu facing colonial pressure. The name "Padang Betuah" comes from the Minangkabau language which means "Sword of Power", referring to the sword owned by Datuk Bagindo Maharajo Sakti, an envoy of the Pagaruyung King on the west coast of Sumatra.
The inauguration was attended by officials from the Bengkulu Provincial Government, representatives from the Bengkulu Tengah Regency Government, Padang Betuah Village officials, religious figures, cultural figures, and community figures. Fadli was accompanied by, among others, the Director General of Cultural and Traditional Protection Restu Gunawan and the Special Staff for Protocol and Household Rachmanda Primayuda.
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