JAKARTA - The plan to build the Sheikh Yusuf Al-Makassari Museum in Cape Town, South Africa, has come under scrutiny as an effort to present a historical space as well as an Indonesian cultural center abroad.
This museum will not only store the traces of the struggle of the great ulama from the archipelago, but also serve as a House of Indonesian Culture which introduces spiritual, intellectual, and resistance values to the world community.
Minister of Culture Fadli Zon revealed that the project is in the preparation and coordination phase with the local government and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. He emphasized that this step has received the full support of President Prabowo Subianto.
"This step has been coordinated with local authorities as well as the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and has been approved by President Prabowo Subianto," he said, as quoted by ANTARA, Wednesday, April 29.
In addition, the government is also encouraging the acceleration of the designation of the Old Banten area as a National Cultural Heritage. This effort is important to maintain the sustainability of living cultural heritage, including the Grand Mosque of Banten which has a high historical value.
Fadli also emphasized the role of Sheikh Yusuf Al-Makassari as a complete fighter, combining the power of thought and real action. He is known to have produced dozens of works of Sufism as well as being involved in the resistance against colonialism.
"He is the only figure who holds the title of National Hero in two countries, Indonesia and South Africa. In the land of Banten, he served as a mufti and also the son-in-law of Sultan Ageng Tirtayasa," he said.
The statement was delivered in commemoration of the 400th anniversary of the birth of Sheikh Yusuf, which became a momentum for reflection on his intellectual legacy and his struggle across continents. This celebration is also of great significance because it has been included in the UNESCO agenda, signifying the world's recognition of his influence.
Various activities were held in the area of the Old Banten Grand Mosque, ranging from scientific discussions with the theme "Syekh Yusuf: Dulu, Kini, dan Nanti" which featured academics such as Oman Fathurahman and Mukhlis PaEni, to the activity of writing the Qur'an mushaf by hundreds of students in the Khatmil Quran bil Kitabah program.
In addition, visitors can also see an exhibition of ancient manuscripts that are included in the UNESCO Memory of the World program, as well as various interactive cultural-based installations.
The event was then closed with a religious music performance from Debu and the reading of the national poem by Ferry Sandi which added a solemn atmosphere.
The commemoration, which was attended by around a thousand participants, was also attended by honorary guests from within and outside the country. Through this momentum, the Ministry of Culture hopes that the moral values and fighting spirit of Sheikh Yusuf will continue to inspire the younger generation.
"This finding is an important reminder for policymakers to see the legacy of national figures as part of global cultural diplomacy," concluded Fadli.
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