Holding Cultural Sarasehan In Raja Ampat, Fadli Zon Encourages Synergy For Preservation And Progress Of Culture

Minister Fadli Zon emphasized the importance of reviving cultural potential in Southwest Papua, especially Raja Ampat. (IST)

RAJA AMPAT - Minister of Culture of the Republic of Indonesia, Fadli Zon, attended Cultural Facilities in Southwest Papua with regional stakeholders, cultural communities, artists, and local cultural observers who were initiators of the 2025 Raja Ampat Festival King's Trace activities.

This gathering was attended by art actors from various regions, including artists and cultural observers from Tambrauw Regency and Sorong City, who displayed their works and ideas in an effort to maintain the sustainability of the cultural heritage of Southwest Papua. The presence of these art actors strengthens the spirit of cross-regional collaboration in advancing culture as well as supporting the tourism sector.

In the cultural dialogue, Minister Fadli Zon emphasized the importance of reviving cultural potentials in Southwest Papua, especially Raja Ampat, which is not only known for its natural beauty, but also keeps traces of civilization and rich traditions.

We see tremendous cultural potential in Southwest Papua, including in Raja Ampat, which left many traces of past culture and civilization. Cultural expressions in the form of dances, traditional music such as tatambur, and other performing arts need to be revived and passed on in a sustainable manner," said Minister Fadli Zon.

Furthermore, the Minister of Culture emphasized that cultural preservation is not only important in terms of identity and history, but also plays a strategic role in strengthening the tourism sector.

"Efforts to advance this culture will also have an impact on the downstream of our tourism, so that culture and tourism can go hand in hand in Southwest Papua, including in Raja Ampat," he added.

This gathering was attended by the Deputy Governor of Southwest Papua, Ahmad Nausrau; and the Deputy Regent of Waisai Raja Ampat, Mansur Syahdan. Also present were the Head of the Office of Youth, Sports, Tourism and Creative Economy of Southwest Papua Province, Yusdi Lamatenggo; Head of the Education and Culture Office of Southwest Papua Province, Adolf Kambuaya; and Archaeologist Daud Aris Tanudirjo.

In addition, from the ranks of the Ministry of Culture, the Director General of Cultural and Traditional Protection, Restu Gunawan; Special Staff to the Minister for Protocol and Household Affairs, Rachmanda Primayudha; and the Head of the XXIII Region Cultural Preservation Center, Nahar Cahyandaru.

Through this cultural gathering, the Ministry of Culture together with local governments, communities, and cultural activists are committed to maintaining and developing the cultural heritage of Southwest Papua so that it remains alive, relevant, and provides benefits to the local community and the Indonesian nation as a whole.