Menbud Fadli Zon Commits Sustainable Restoration Of Mount Padang Sites

Menbud Fadli Zon (Doc. Kemenbud)

JAKARTA Gunung Padang is not just an ancient site. It is the secret of the civilization of the archipelago that has not been fully revealed. This was conveyed by the Minister of Culture of the Republic of Indonesia Fadli Zon while attending a joint prayer at the Gunung Padang Cultural Heritage Site, Cianjur Regency, West Java, Wednesday (8/10).

This joint prayer event marks the start of a new stage of continuous study and restoration of the historic site, which is touted as the largest spiked pundent in Southeast Asia.

"This is the first step to continue research and restoration of Mount Padang. With knowledge, we are trying to open the veil of the nation's past," said Fadli.

According to him, the Mount Padang site holds many mysteries that still challenge the world of science. There is a cloudy structure, even indications of a man-made pyramid. We don't know the blueprint yet. But little by little, the secret will be revealed," he said.

Fadli emphasized that studies and restoration are not just exploring the past, but the responsibility of the current generation to protect ancestral heritage from natural destruction. "This is the time for us to be treated. Restoration must be done with expertise and knowledge, so that this site remains solid in facing time and disaster," he said.

The head of the Study and Restoration Team, Ali Akbar, expressed his gratitude for the support of the Ministry of Culture. He ensured that the initial stage of restoration would be carried out immediately, focused on the side of the landslide. In the next two to three months, we will start early stage protection. Study in the middle is expected to provide important data for further restoration," he explained.

Ali also added that the surrounding community will be involved in the empowerment program so that the restoration of the site brings economic benefits to residents.

Meanwhile, Putu Supadma Rudana, General Chair of the Indonesian Museum Association, hopes that the results of the study of Mount Padang can lead to the construction of a museum that records the research journey and history of the site. This site will give a big meaning to the nation's civilization. May this area grow into a cultural and tourism space that prospers the community," he said.

The activity began with a prayer led by Ki Jatnika, accompanied by the reading of the poem Patuirineung Patepung Zaman and the chanting of the Sundanese song.

Closing the event, Fadli Zon emphasized the importance of community and cultural support so that the study and restoration process runs thoroughly. "Gunung Padang does not only belong to the past. He is part of the nation's future," he said.