Biak Regency Government Prepares Regional Cultural Conservation Protection Perbup

JAKARTA - The Department of Education and Culture (Disdikbud) of Biak Numfor Regency, Papua has prepared a draft regent regulation (Perbup) for the protection and preservation of cultural heritage in the area to maintain its authenticity.

"The Biak Island witnessed history when it became the base of defense for the Japanese army and the allies of American troops, so there are still many former world war relics whose authenticity must be maintained through Perbup," said Head of Disdikbud Biak Numfor Kamaruddin in Biak, Sunday, quoted by Antara.

He said cultural heritage is a place to preserve various cultures that must be preserved.

For example, the original building area of the Biak Education Office and tourism office in the Mandala area of Biak Kota District, is an ex-Dutch building that has historical value, so far it is still intact and must be protected for authenticity.

There is also a relic of the Japanese cave II war Binsari, until now it still has war relics and is often visited by tourists as a leading regional tourist attraction.

"Goa Jepang Binsari and the World War II monument are part of the history of the past, which we still maintain its authenticity. In fact, this location is often a photo background for tourists," he said.

Meanwhile, the urgent matter to maintain the authenticity of cultural heritage in the regions, according to Kamaruddin, Biak Numfor Regency must have cultural heritage experts.

"With the presence of cultural heritage experts in Biak, it can propose or recommend a historical place that can be used as a cultural heritage, so that the authenticity of the building will be protected," he said.

Kadisdikbud Kamaruddin said the Biak Numfor Regency government was obliged to search for objects, protection, building preservation, structures, and/or locations suspected of being cultural heritage.

Based on ANTARA's monitoring, the former Dutch government relics in Biak that are still being found are housing in the Burokub area, Frans Kaisiepo International Airport, Owi Island airport, TNI AU hangar in Burokub.