KENDARI - The traces of human civilization estimated to be 67,800 years old in Muna Regency have become a major historical capital for Southeast Sulawesi. However, this wealth requires a museum that can tell stories. Not just a space full of collectibles.
Minister of Culture Fadli Zon encourages the revitalization of the Museum and Cultural Park of Southeast Sulawesi to better display the history and identity of the region. This was conveyed when visiting the complex in Kendari, Saturday (11/7).
Fadli assessed that the findings of ancient cave paintings in Muna strengthened the position of Southeast Sulawesi as one of the regions that hold traces of very old human civilization in the world.
"Museums are not just places to store collections. Museums are cultural showcases and civilization showcases. From museums, the public can understand the history and cultural richness of a region," said Fadli.
According to Fadli, such a rich history needs to be presented in a way that is easy for the public to understand. The display layout, lighting, collection information, to the quality of educators and conservators are important parts of museum management.
The museum is also considered necessary to display the journey of Southeast Sulawesi in its entirety. Starting from prehistoric times, ethnography, language, literature, manuscripts, oral traditions, art, to local wisdom that still lives in the community.
The question does not stop at the collection. Museum renovation requires long-term costs and management.
The Ministry of Culture, said Fadli, will provide facilitation through the non-physical Special Allocation Fund scheme. Meanwhile, the need for physical facilities and infrastructure is driven by cooperation between the central government, local governments, the business world, and philanthropists.
"Museums and cultural parks must be built together as a center for sustainable cultural activities. Collaboration is the key to making cultural facilities more advanced and providing wider benefits," he said.
Fadli also sees museums as part of the regional economy. A crowded museum can attract tourists, open a souvenir and local culinary market, and become a space for cultural activities.
With the potential history possessed by Southeast Sulawesi, regional museums are required to do more than just preserve old objects. The challenge now is to make history that is tens of thousands of years old can be read, understood, and attract people to come.
During the visit, Fadli was accompanied by Deputy Minister of Home Affairs Akhmad Wiyagus, Governor of Southeast Sulawesi Andi Sumangerukka, and Director General of Cultural and Traditional Protection Restu Gunawan.
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