The Legacy Of World War II In Kupang Will Become A National Cultural Conservation, This Is What Fadli Zon Said!

Minister of Culture Fadli Zon, emphasized that the Japanese Cave Bukit Futusuba in Kupang must be revitalized immediately (photo: dock of the Ministry of Culture)

Kupang, The government is serious about reviving the World War II historical site in East Nusa Tenggara. Minister of Culture Fadli Zon, emphasized that Bukit Futusuba's Japanese Goa in Kupang must be immediately revitalized and designated as a national cultural heritage.

Located about 8 kilometers from El Tari Airport, Japan's Goa Bukit Futusuba witnessed the silent occupation of Japan on the island of Timor in 1942. There are 16 artificial caves used as arsenals, mortars, ammunition, and fuel for combat vehicles. This building shows Timor's strategic role in the Pacific War map.

Situs ini bagian penting dari sejarah dunia. Goa Jepang Bukit Futusuba harus segera dipertik lebih dalam, diperkuat strukturnya, lalu diajukan menjadi wartu budaya nasional, kata Fadli Zon saat meninjau langsung lokasi, didampingi Wakil Gubernur NTT Johni Asadoma, Kepala Balai Pelesaris Kebudayaan (BPK) Wilayah XVI, dan jajaran dinas kebudayaan setempat.

Fadli Zon directed BPK Region XVI to immediately examine the feasibility of determining the district level, before stepping to the national level. In addition to strengthening the structure, he also opened up opportunities for cooperation with Japan, considering that there is a memorandum of understanding that has been established regarding the repatriation of the Japanese army's skeleton. "Based on the study, we can ask for revitalization support from the Japanese side," said Menbud Fadli Zon in a statement received on Saturday, April 26.

NTT Cultural Site Needs Serious Attention

In a joint dialogue with the XVI Region BPK in Kupang, the Minister of Education and Culture highlighted the importance of accelerating the preservation of cultural heritage in NTT. Currently, there are 41 cultural heritages and 37 intangible cultural heritages in 22 districts/cities in NTT.

However, low public participation in registering cultural wealth with Cultural Basic Data (Dapobud) is a big challenge. Fadli Zon emphasized that cultural management in NTT must be carried out holistically, including involving local communities and local governments. "NTT has great cultural potential. We encourage the acceleration of cooperation with the Ministry of Home Affairs so that cultural promotion is more equitable," he said.

The Minister of Culture also highlighted the importance of data-based research to strengthen Indonesia's cultural diplomacy in the eyes of the world. He called the scientific study of the Japanese Goa Bukit Futusuba as a strategic step to strengthen Indonesia's position in international cultural forums.

Fadli Zon hopes that the revitalization of Japan's Goa Bukit Futusuba will not only care for past heritage, but also become an entry point to introduce local history to the younger generation and the world. "The cultural preservation is part of managing the future," he concluded.