Bung Karno Pilgrimage Tourism, Menbud Fadli Zon Emphasizes The Importance Of Struggle Heritage

Fadli Zon pilgrimage to Bung Karno's grave. (doc. Kemenbud)

JAKARTA - Blitar has always been an important goal for historical pilgrims who want to remember the services of the First President of the Republic of Indonesia, Ir. Soekarno.

Bung Karno's grave complex is not only the final resting place for the proclaimer, but also the cultural learning space with museums and libraries recording traces of his struggle.

Saturday, September 13, Minister of Culture Fadli Zon made a pilgrimage at the Bung Karno tomb complex. During his working visit to East Java, he was greeted by the Mayor of Blitar, Syauqul Muhibbin, Deputy Mayor of Elim Tyu Samba, and a number of regional officials. A joint prayer was held in the main courtyard of the tomb.

This visit is Fadli's fourth pilgrimage at the tomb of the proclaimer. He admitted that he saw many developments in the area. "Alhamdulillah, it was very well maintained. There used to be no gates, libraries, and museums," he said.

Fadli then reviewed the library featuring Bung Karno's life journey through paintings to digital activation. The library with international standards was inaugurated by the 5th President Megawati Soekarnoputri on July 3, 2004.

Accompanied by the Director General of Culture Development, Utilization, and Development Ahmad Mahendra; Special Staff to Minister Rachmanda Primayudha; Director of Film, Music and Art Syaifullah Agam; as well as Head of the Cultural Preservation Center of Region XI East Java Endah Budi Heryani, Fadli emphasized the importance of maintaining historical value.

"From time to time we need to maintain the exemplary values of Bung Karno, our proclaimer, and of course also Bung Hatta," said Menbud Fadli.

He added that this visit was a form of respect for the services of the nation's founders who had laid the foundation of Indonesian nationality and culture. According to him, cultural promotion must be consistently carried out through various activities. In any circumstances, we must never stop prioritizing culture as a binding power and unifying force," he said.

Apart from pilgrimages, Fadli also mentioned other agendas in Blitar. He reviewed the Panagaran Temple and was scheduled to open the Keroncong Svaranusa festival in Blitar City Square.