Basuki Inaugurates Management Of PSBK Areas In Bantul Worth IDR 14.39 Billion

PUPR Minister Basuki Hadimuljono when inaugurating the arrangement of the Bagong Kussudiardja Art Padepokan area (PSBK) in Bantul, DIY. Photo: Doc. PUPR

JAKARTA - Minister of Public Works and Public Housing (PUPR) Basuki Hadimuljono inaugurated the arrangement of the Bagong Kussudiardja Art Padepokan area (PSBK) in Bantul, Yogyakarta Special Region (DIY).

The arrangement of the PSBK area which was carried out in May-September 2024 at a cost of Rp. 14.39 billion aims to repair buildings that have experienced a decline in quality due to age.

The scope of work includes the construction of the Ratu Kidul and Sanggit Hall in the east wing, the repair of the Kua Etnika building and the Layang-Layang Building and the arrangement of the landscape.

Minister of Public Works and Public Housing (PUPR) Basuki Hadimuljono said the contribution from PUPR was meaningless compared to Mr. Bagong Kussudiardja's contribution to the Indonesian art world, whose works have become Indonesia's intangible cultural heritage.

"Hopefully our contribution can make this pavilion come back to life and it is appropriate for performing artists here," Basuki said in a written statement, quoted Monday, October 14.

Meanwhile, Chairman of the PSBK Board of Trustees Butet Kartaredjasa said the pavilion area was built by major Indonesian artist Bagong Kussudiardja since 1978 with a simple concept using bamboo.

Since 2009, this 5,000 square meter building complex has been aligned in the design of the PSBK area master plan by artists Eko Prawoto who were then supported by the Ministry of PUPR in its realization.

"Pak Bagong has never fenced this place so that the children here can see art and at least become art audiences who can appreciate art, thank God if they want to learn art. Without fences, the community also feels its benefits in environmental access such as good waterways and smooth asphalt. Thank you to PUPR for realizing our dreams and Pak Bagong," he said.

Butet said that this revitalization is proof of the presence of the state in the midst of the art community because apart from realizing the artistic values of Bagong Kussudiardja, this building is also an important site that witnessed the development of Indonesian cultural arts in the post-independence era.

"I want to interpret the PSBK inherited from the late Pak Bagong as not just an art place, but a cultural asset that needs to be saved. My family and I are committed to continuing what Mr. Bagong inherited to carry Mr. Bagong's big dreams in the art world and the realm of culture," he said.