Fadli Zon Encourages The Promotion Of Cirebon Masks, Turns On Nusantara Cultural Heritage

Minister of Culture Fadli Zon visited the Cirebon Mask Museum during a working visit in Cirebon City, West Java. (ANTARA)

JAKARTA - The Cirebon Mask Museum is one of the centers of cultural preservation that stores the rich art of mask traditions from Cirebon. Located at Cirebon City Hall, West Java, this museum presents hundreds of collections of masks with stories and characters full of meaning, as well as a place to introduce the historical and philosophical values contained behind each carving.

During his visit to the museum, the Minister of Culture, Fadli Zon, emphasized the importance of optimizing the promotion of Cirebon mask art as part of the preservation of local culture. According to him, Cirebon masks are cultural heritages that need to be revived and introduced to the younger generation.

"This Cirebon Topeng is one of the legendary masks and has many stories, from Ramayana, Mahabarata, and other local stories. This is very important to reintroduce Cirebon masks," said Fadli.

The Cirebon Mask Museum itself houses a row of iconic masks known as the Panca Wanda Mask. This collection includes Masks Panji, Samba (Pamindo), Rumyang, Patih (Tumengung), to Kelana (Rahwana). Not only showing off works of art, the museum also features maestro figures such as Ki Kandeg Padmajawinata, Ki Empek, and mask craftsmen who have worked behind the art screen.

The Minister of Culture hopes that this museum will become a window to explore the world of mask art as well as remember the conservationists of the tradition that gives color to the art of this typical Cirebon performance.

Apart from going through museums, Fadli encourages the preservation of mask art to be carried out through various media such as books, films, and documentaries.

"It is necessary to make books, films, documentaries, and various other forms of cultural expressions about this mask, so that Cirebon masks are more alive and become an ecosystem that grows sustainably in Cirebon and its surroundings," he continued.

On that occasion, he also suggested that the building of the former Investment Office and One Stop Integrated Service (DPMPTSP) can be used as an art and cultural space. The place is considered potential to be used as a space for mask dance performances, contemporary art exhibitions, cultural discussions, and music performances.

"We need more public spaces and cultural spaces that can educate and advance our national culture, in this case as well as Cirebon culture," concluded Fadli.