JAKARTA - The threat of the loss of the historical site of the Bulungan Sultanate in North Kalimantan (Kaltara) was conveyed by the member of the DPR RI for the Kaltara electoral district, Rahmawati Zainal at the Working Meeting of Commission VII of the DPR RI with the Ministry of Tourism of the Republic of Indonesia.
This condition has an impact on the preservation of culture, and is considered potentially eliminating a great opportunity in the tourism sector.
"The sites of the Bulungan Sultanate should be a flagship destination if optimally managed. However, the conditions on the ground are worrying and at risk of extinction if they are not immediately addressed seriously," said Rahmawati in a meeting in Jakarta, Wednesday (1/4/2026).
"We know that the Bulungan Sultanate is quite well known, but these sites are now starting to disappear. Don't let this just be a fairy tale that we don't see anymore," he continued. This Gerindra politician emphasized that the management of historical sites is not enough to focus on preservation, but must be directed to become a new economic force through the tourism sector.
"Collaboration across ministries is needed so that this potential can be maximized," he said.
Rahmawati also questioned the extent of the synergy between the Ministry of Tourism and related ministries, such as the Ministry of Culture and the Ministry of Creative Economy, in efforts to maintain and develop the historical site.
"Is there any collaboration from the Ministry of Tourism and other institutions, for example with the Minister of Culture and also the Minister of Creative Economy? So that it does not disappear," he said.
Rahmawati assessed that, until now, the development of historical sites has often been hampered by overlapping authorities between institutions, so that the revitalization process is slow and seems to be neglected.
"For this reason, we encourage the Ministry of Tourism to take the role as the main driver of collaboration with the Ministry of Culture and the Ministry of Creative Economy," he explained.
In addition, he also emphasized the importance of planning a mature program at the technical ministry level before entering the budgeting stage at the Ministry of Finance.
Because, with an integrated step, he is optimistic that the Bulungan Sultanate heritage site can be developed into an exotic tourist destination that is able to attract domestic and foreign tourists.
Rahmawati hopes that the government's work plan for 2026 will include concrete steps to revitalize historical sites in Kaltara, so that cultural heritage is not only saved, but also makes a real contribution to regional economic growth.
"These sites will become very exotic tourist destinations that can be visited by the general public," he concluded.
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