BENGKULU - Culture Minister Fadli Zon emphasized that the Marlborough Fortress should not stop being a "come-see-go-back" visit object. He asked that the cultural heritage site be turned into an active cultural space, with regular programs, a strong historical narrative, and measured promotion. In order to really move Bengkulu's historical tourism.
"The condition of this fortress is still very well maintained and has a very beautiful view overlooking the sea. With various important historical events, this area has great potential to be used as an education center, cultural center, and activation space for art exhibitions, performing arts, and various other creative activities," said Fadli.
The statement was made by Fadli when reviewing the Marlborough Fortress in Bengkulu City, Wednesday, February 25. During the working visit, he assessed that the physical maintenance of the fortress was good, but the real challenge was the "content". Does this fortress have a living cultural agenda, invite people to come back, and have an economic impact on the surrounding residents.
Fadli reminded Bengkulu that it has a historical capital that is not small. This area was once the center of the British government, then under Dutch rule until 1940. The dynamics, including the story of the exchange of territory involving Bengkulu, Singapore, and Malacca, according to him, must be packaged into a serious historical tourism narrative. Not just a promotional caption.
He encouraged the organization of festivals and cultural activities involving the younger generation. However, Fadli emphasized that events alone are not enough if the promotion is sporadic. "Not only events, but also massive and measurable promotions are needed to promote the cultural wealth of Bengkulu. That way, more and more people will come here," he said.
Fadli also highlighted the importance of making culture as the foundation for sustainable regional development. According to him, the cultural ecosystem can grow new economies through creative industries and open up space for Bengkulu talent in performing arts, music, film, literature, to fine art, provided there is a stage, curation, and sustainability of programs.
Marlborough Fort is a British colonial relic built in 1714-1719 by the East India Company under the leadership of Joseph Collett. Currently, its management is under the General Service Agency of Museums and Cultural Heritage of the Ministry of Culture and is functioning as an education center, a historical tourist destination, as well as a cultural activity space.
During the review, Fadli was accompanied by the Director General of Cultural and Traditional Protection Restu Gunawan, Special Staff for Protocol and Household Rachmanda Primayuda, and Head of the Bengkulu Regional Cultural Preservation Center VII Iskandar Mulia Siregar.
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