Jakarta – The Ministry of Culture is holding the 2025 Indonesian Culture Awards (AKI) Phase III. The implementation of AKI Phase III carries the theme Cultural Mobilization Plan, symbolizing the flame of enthusiasm to continue promoting Indonesian culture. At Ciputra Artpreneur, Jakarta, the third phase of the 2025 Indonesian Culture Awards held last Wednesday (17/12) was the culmination of awards given to cultural activists divided into eight award categories. These awards include: Maestro of Traditional Arts; conservationist; Pioneer and/or Reformer; Child; Media; Indigenous Peoples; Literature; and Satya Budaya Narendra, a special award from the Minister of Culture. Scroll to continue content In the media category, awards were given to Nopri Ismi of Rumah Sri Ksetra media, K. Sudirman, SH of Jaya Baya media, and Rina Prabawati of JTV media. Rumah Sri Ksetra is a media from Palembang, South Sumatra that focuses on documenting the cultural diversity of southern Sumatra, especially those based on ecology and indigenous communities. “Media Jaya Baya is a magazine from Surabaya, East Java that uses Javanese, which emphasizes the role of culture as an important pillar in the formation of national identity and identity. Meanwhile, JTV media originating from Surabaya, East Java broadcasts programs and weaves together culture and traditions to keep it alive,” the Ministry of Culture added in a written statement, Thursday (Thursday). In the children’s category there were three award recipients, namely Aliya Sakina Murdoko, Adhyastha Swarna PM, and Janessa Shanne Putri. Aliya Sakina Murdoko comes from Malang, East Java, and does a visual interpretation according to the context of the Alpha generation (millennial children) on her version of the Panji story. Hailing from Surakarta, Central Java, Adhyastha Swarna PM is active in the fields of puppetry, Surakarta style, challenging classical dance, macapat songs and karawitan. Meanwhile, Janessa Shanne Putri, who hails from Depok, West Java, is an elementary school student who has talent in singing and poetry, including first place in the Asian Vocal Solo Competition. Apart from being a singer, he also excelled in the art of poetry by winning the city level championship. In the indigenous community category, the award was received by Baris Sitanggang, an activist from the Bius Sitolu Hae Horbo Salaon Indigenous Community in Samosir, North Sumatra; Sutomo from Probolinggo, East Java is an active activist to assist the Tengger community in religious rituals, both sacred and formal; Eko Warnoto, a great traditional shaman (Pandita) in the Tengger tribal community. There was also Bambang Sutrisno from Bojonegoro, East Java, who was the leader of the Samin movement that fought against Dutch colonialism; and Usif Raja Namah Benu of South Central Timor, East Nusa Tenggara as the guardian of the way of life of the Boti Traditional Community known for its simplicity and adherence to ancestral traditions. Meanwhile, the Literature category was given to three senior writers and poets whose works have enriched the treasures of Indonesian literature, both through regional languages ​​and Indonesian. This appreciation emphasizes the role of literature as a medium for the preservation of language, identity and human and cultural values ​​in the midst of changing times. Recipients in the Literature category include Godi Suwarna, known as a poet and dramatist in Sundanese. Through his works, Godi Suwarna succeeded in bringing the richness of Sundanese language and culture into the world of Indonesian literature. In the context of language, Godi Suwarna is also a symbol of the preservation of the Sundanese language in the midst of the current of modernization that often threatens the existence of regional languages; Sutardji Calzoum Bachri, Indonesian poet from Riau known for his contribution to strengthening the position of modern Indonesian poetry; and D. Zawawi Imron, who built his poetry through spiritual experience, culture and mother tongue, working consistently until now and becoming an important figure in Indonesian literature. In the Pioneer and/or Reformer category, seven recipients were recognized for their initiatives and breakthroughs in revitalizing, documenting and transforming cultural practices so that they remain relevant and have a broad impact. Fields valued include maritime culture, Indonesian script, traditional documentation, children’s fairy tales, traditional dance, fine art criticism and community-based arts and cultural development. This award was given to Muhammad Ridwan Alimuddin, Didin Ahmad Zaenudin, Mustafa Mansur, Moch. Awam, Yusri Saleh, Agus Dermawan Tantono and Tegal Art Village. The Preservation category is given to five figures who consistently maintain the sustainability of cultural heritage through direct practice, knowledge inheritance and revitalization. Areas valued include traditional batik and weaving, keris knowledge, traditional music, Dayak weaving, and keroncong music. The recipients were considered successful in maintaining the authenticity of cultural values, techniques and philosophies amidst the tide of modernization. The Conservation Category Award was awarded to Uswatun Hasanah, Ika Arista, Felix Edon, Yohana and Iswati Fersida. The Traditional Arts Maestro category was given to five senior figures who have dedicated their lives to traditional arts and culture in their respective regions. They are the main reference in traditional crafts, dance, Dayak customs, Didong Gayo art and Sundanese oral literature. The persistence and dedication of these maestros is an important foundation for the continuity of cultural knowledge across generations, for which this category was given to Tobani Rinyo Tiku, Siti Rahela, B. Blawing Belareq, M. Din and Sangkeh. The Satya Budaya Narendra category is given to cultural figures who have had a broad impact on their struggle, services and work in promoting Indonesian culture. This appreciation was given to Jaya Suprana, Pieter F. Gontha, I Nyoman Wenten, Sunaryo Soetono, Elvy Sukaesih, Ary Ginanjar and Anhar Gonggong. “Through the Indonesian Culture Award, the Ministry of Culture continues to facilitate and recognize cultural figures who have dedicated their lives to the promotion of culture. It is hoped that the Indonesian Culture Award can be a catalyst that strengthens the position of cultural actors in the regions, and makes it easier for them to receive public support,” said the Ministry of Wide Culture Support. (anl/ega)