WEST SUMATRA – The Indonesian Ministry of Culture (Kemenbud) and the West Sumatra Provincial Government held the second edition of the "We Are Site Managers (WASM)" International Symposium in Sawahlunto from August 23–28, 2025.
Minister of Culture Fadli Zon, who opened the symposium, stated that cultural heritage is not merely a relic of the past, but a guide for the future.
"Cultural heritage should not remain merely a memory. It must become a space for reflection and inspiration for the younger generation," Fadli stated at the event held at the UNESCO-recognized Ombilin Coal Mine Heritage site, in a statement on Sunday, August 24.
Sawahlunto was chosen as the location for the event because the area is considered a living laboratory that records the dark history of colonialism and forced labor, as well as its transformation into a historic city rich in meaning.
Minister of Culture Fadli warned that globalization, which homogenizes culture and the loss of historical awareness, is a challenge today. Therefore, he continued, world heritage site managers are required to act not merely as guardians of buildings, but as ideologists who impart meaning.
"Don't let sites become mere selfie spots. They must become spaces for learning and understanding civilization," said Minister of Culture Fadli.
The symposium brought together hundreds of participants from UNESCO, ICOMOS, and site managers from Asia, Europe, and Australia. They shared experiences on industrial heritage preservation, community engagement, and disaster mitigation. The agenda also included visits to important sites, from Kayu Tanam Station to the traditional Minangkabau village of Sijunjung.
The event culminated in the launch of the "Sawahlunto Document," a strategic guide to heritage management that is expected to inspire the global community. "This document is an intellectual manifesto, a statement that preserving heritage means maintaining the dignity and sustainability of civilization," said Minister of Culture Fadli.
The Mayor of Sawahlunto, Riyanda Putra, described his city's history as a story of humanity and solidarity born from the suffering of people in chains. "Those values still live on today," he said.
Through WASM and the “Sawahlunto Document,” Indonesia wants to show that cultural heritage is not only to be remembered, but to guide the future.
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