Minister of Culture encourages the revitalization of the Rarasantang Arts Building

Fadli Zon menilai Gedung Kesenian Rarasantang belum dimanfaatkan optimal sebagai ruang ekspresi seni. (IST)

CIREBON - The Minister of Culture (Menbud) Fadli Zon assessed that the Rarasantang Arts Building has not been optimally utilized as a space for artistic expression. In fact, this building has a long history as a stage for various performances in Cirebon.

When reviewing directly, Friday, April 3, Menbud Fadli saw a great potential that had not been fully developed. Rarasantang used to be a place for traditional to contemporary art performances, including involving figures such as W.S. Rendra and Putu Wijaya.

According to Fadli, this building must return to being the main space for artists, especially in the Cirebon Raya area. He wants Rarasantang to be known not only as an old building, but to be active as a cultural activity center.

"This building has a long history. We want to make it a center of expression for artists," he said.

He emphasized that revitalization was an urgent step. The building structure was considered good, but the facilities, comfort, and arrangement of the environment did not support intense art activities.

Improvements will include interiors, exteriors, to the area layout. The collaboration scheme is also open, involving the central government, regions, and the private sector.

In addition, Menbud Fadli emphasized the importance of sustainable management. Without it, the building is at risk of being empty again even though it has been repaired.

The review was also attended by the Mayor of Cirebon Agus Mulyadi and West Java DPRD member George Edwin Sugiharto, along with the Ministry of Culture.

Rarasantang has a strong history. The challenge now is simple, namely how to make it back to use, live, and be close to artists and the community.