PADANG - Minister of Culture Fadli Zon reviewed the Indarung 1 Factory area of PT Semen Padang in Lubuk Kilangan, Padang, Thursday, March 12. He wants this historic area not to stop as an old relic, but to be reopened as a cultural and public education space.
The desire is not without reason. The Indarung 1 factory is known as the first cement factory in Indonesia and Southeast Asia. Its archives have been recognized by UNESCO as part of the collective memory of Asia Pacific. Meanwhile, the physical building has the status of a National Cultural Heritage.
With such a heavy historical weight, Fadli assessed that the Indarung I area has more value than just an old site. A number of points in the factory area can be developed into an amphitheater, exhibition room, to a performance stage.
"This area can be used, among others, as an amphitheater, exhibition, and theater performance. Buildings that have become cultural heritage can be activated as one art space, a space for the expression of art and culture," said Menbud Fadli Zon.
He also assessed that there were still a number of points that needed to be improved. Therefore, its development is not enough to rely on the central government. The regional government, community, and PT Semen Padang are said to need to be involved so that this area does not stop as a marker of the past.
For the Ministry of Culture, Indarung I has the opportunity to become a public study room that contains traces of the history of technology, industry, and the independence of the nation. "This location is already very good and strong. I believe this can be an additional space for expression, especially since Indarung I has become a cultural heritage," said Fadli.
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