Minister of Culture encourages Bawomataluo Nias area to enter UNESCO, Nias traditional house to be revitalized

Fadli Zon said the government would encourage the preservation and revitalization of traditional houses in South Nias. (IST)

NIAS SELATAN - Menteri Kebudayaan Fadli Zon memastikan pemerintah akan mendorong pelestarian dan revitalisasi rumah adat di Nias Selatan. Pemerintah juga terus memperjuangkan kawasan Bawomataluo agar diakui sebagai Warisan Dunia UNESCO.

The commitment was conveyed by Fadli when attending the 23rd Anniversary of South Nias Regency at Orurusa Square, Teluk Dalam, Tuesday (28/7).

According to Fadli, South Nias has cultural heritage that is not only important for the local community, but also for Indonesia. This wealth includes the tradition of stone jumping, dance and performing arts, Omo Sebua and Omo Hada traditional houses, megalithic remains, and still-living traditional knowledge.

"Bawomataluo will continue to be fought for to become a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This cultural wealth must be preserved and passed on to the next generation," said Fadli.

He said the Ministry of Culture would work with local governments and communities to maintain the surviving traditional houses. Revitalization is needed to protect traditional architecture while maintaining the cultural values inherent in it.

The government will also encourage the availability of a wider space for artists, cultural activists, indigenous communities, and cultural actors to work.

Fadli menilai kebudayaan Nias Selatan berpotensi memperkuat pariwisata berbasis budaya. Tradisi dan seni pertunjukan yang masih hidup dapat menarik wisatawan sekaligus membuka manfaat ekonomi bagi masyarakat.

However, preservation cannot be solely imposed on the government. Fadli asked the central government, local governments, communities, the private sector, and the public to be involved in maintaining and utilizing cultural heritage without losing its original value.

The South Nias Regent, Sokhiatulo Laia, said the anniversary of the region should be used to strengthen communication, coordination, and cooperation in development.

The activity was also attended by Deputy Regent of South Nias Yusuf Nache, Chairman of the South Nias DPRD Elisati Halawa, as well as a number of central and regional officials.