JAKARTA - The government encourages the recognition of the customary law of Larvul Ngabal as an Indonesian Intangible Cultural Heritage. This effort confirms the position of the Kei Islands as an area with a cultural system that is still alive and running until now.
Minister of Culture Fadli Zon expressed his support when receiving the Regent of Southeast Maluku Muhammad Thaher Hanubun in Jakarta, Tuesday, April 7. He assessed that Kei culture is not just a legacy, but still regulates people's lives.
"This is strength. Culture is not only stored, but carried out," said Fadli.
Hanubun emphasized that the Kei culture still survives because it is a system of life that regulates social relations, customs, and community leadership.
"Kei culture represents a system that is still alive, organized, and continues to be carried out in people's lives," said Hanubun.
He added that this culture was not only inherited, but also became the basis for regulating the social life and living space of the Kei people.
The East Nusa Tenggara Regency Government is now speeding up the preservation and documentation of Larvul Ngabal to strengthen the legal position of the customary law at the national level.
Fadli also supports the plan for the Meti Kei Charm Festival in October 2026 as a promotional door for regional culture to the national stage.
Director General of Cultural and Traditional Protection Restu Gunawan emphasized the importance of systematic cultural documentation, including preparing documents for submission to UNESCO.
"Local governments must prepare strong data so that they can rise to an international level," said Restu.
He also said that the Indonesia Raya Fund could be used to support cultural activities and strengthen public spaces based on culture.
With 76 islands at the crossroads of the Banda Sea and the Arafura Sea, Southeast Maluku has a strategic position in maritime history. The challenge now is not just to keep the culture alive, but to ensure that its recognition is not left behind.
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