April 19 became National Keris Day, Menbud: The process was full of challenges

Jakarta – April 19 was officially established as National Keris Day. This determination coincides with the momentum of the establishment of the Indonesian Railway National Secretariat (SNKI). The SNKI is a cultural institution that has acquired UNESCO accreditation and is one of the six Indonesian cultural organizations that are recognized internationally. “Determining this National Keris Day is expected to be an important step in reinforcing keris values ​​as a cultural heritage that has a historical, artistic and spiritual meaning,” Sunday (4/20/2025), Minister of Culture (Menbud) Fadli Zon. Browse to continue with the content, he also emphasizes the importance of an increasing understanding of the meaning of the keris for the younger generation. According to him, knowledge is the beginning of the growth of awareness and dedication to preserve the culture of the country. “With a very diverse cultural heritage such as puppets, Batik and Keris, we must ensure that future generations are still close to their cultural roots,” he said. Fadli also encouraged the synergy of government, educational institutions and cultural activists to encourage the National Keris Day facilities that encourage educational activities and cultural promotion, not just symbolic warnings. He mentions various media such as podcasts, documentary films, discussions and exhibitions in relevant cultural literacy media in the digital era. Fadli hopes the keris can be part of the Indonesian cultural diplomacy in the world arena. He gave an example of President Prabowo Subianto who often gave a keris to world leaders as a symbol of the nation’s respect and identity. “Indonesia has extraordinary cultural wealth, which has no comparison in the world. From puppets to Batik, from Keris to Dance Bali, all reflect our identity as a people rich in tradition,” says Fadli Zon. Keris, continued Fadli, is recognized by UNESCO as part of the world’s cultural heritage. Indonesia’s success in gaining recognition from UNESCO is not easy. “The process of incorporating our cultural heritage into the UNESCO list is very long and full of challenges. Only countries that have very strong traditions and cultures that can achieve it,” he added. Keris as a traditional weapon is considered a high spiritual and artistic values, also a symbol of different types of art expression in one object. “Keris is not only a physical heritage, but is also loaded with philosophical and spiritual meaning,” Fadli Zon said. In addition, Fadli Zon also appreciated the role of art communities in the preservation of culture. In his speech, he emphasizes the active role of cultural organizations in Indonesia, including those associated with the keris, in the promotion of Indonesian arts and culture. “Indonesia now has 18 cultural heritage of non -object registered with UNESCO, and we hope this figure is still increasing,” he said. Fadli Zon also emphasizes the importance of recognition of Indonesian culture as part of economic development. According to him, culture can be a very valuable economic resource. “Culture is not only a legacy, but can also be a driving for the creative economy that can strengthen Indonesia’s competitiveness in the world arena,” he explained. Fadli Zon also invited all Indonesian people to continue to preserve and preserve the cultural wealth of the country. “It is our cultural capital that we must protect so that we can continue to be passed on to the next generation and become the pride of the Indonesian population in the eyes of the world,” he concluded. Also watch Video: Fadli Zon, Minister of Culture Prabowo, who has a collection of 1,000 keris (Ega/Ega) at all, 2025, read the inspirational story of the exemplary police candidate here