JAKARTA - Cultural heritage such as keris is not just a heirloom, but also reflects the identity, history, and philosophical values of the Indonesian nation.
Efforts to preserve the keris can also be seen in the Solo Arts and Culture Exhibition which was opened by the Minister of Culture Fadli Zon at the Keris Nusantara Museum on Saturday, April 18.
In this forum, the government began to encourage keris to enter the economic ecosystem, including plans to establish a keris exchange and the digitization of collections.
The exhibition with the theme "Protect Culture" was held in the context of the 2026 National Keris Day, featuring various collections of keris, paintings, to cultural art performances. However, the main focus is on policy directions that emphasize that cultural preservation must go beyond the exhibition space.
Fadli emphasized that the kris has an important value as a national identity that has been recognized by the world. "The kris is original from Indonesia. In it there is a symbolic meaning, philosophy, and high artistic achievement," said Fadli.
He also highlighted the involvement of various parties in the exhibition, ranging from collectors to institutions such as the TNI, Polri, and the banking sector. According to him, this shows that culture is starting to enter a wider and cross-sector space.
"This collaboration is important. The government, the private sector, the community must move together," he said.
Fadli also touched on Indonesia's position as a country with a long civilization footprint. He assessed that cultural heritage is not only a symbol, but a foundation of identity that needs to be maintained and used sustainably.
Meanwhile, Deputy Mayor of Surakarta, Astrid Widayani, said that the Nusantara Keris Museum is now not only a collection center, but also plays a role in encouraging the creative economy. According to him, the plan to establish a keris exchange can increase the value of the work of craftsmen.
"Culture can be connected to the modern sector, including financial services. This is an opportunity for artisans and young generations," said Astrid.
In the discussion that took place, Special Staff to the Minister Basuki Teguh Yuwono emphasized that keris should not stop as a past artifact. He encouraged a sustainable pattern of inheritance through education and cultural literacy.
The government is preparing various follow-up steps such as the establishment of a keris exchange, digitization of catalogs, development of an education platform, to financing schemes. Through this strategy, it is hoped that keris will not only be preserved as a cultural heritage, but also remain alive and in demand by today's generation.
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