Samarinda (ANTARA) - East Kalimantan has significant cultural heritage potential but needs to improve how it is utilized and increase awareness, especially among the younger generation. This was conveyed by Minister of Culture Fadli Zon during the inauguration of the 14th East Kalimantan Cultural Preservation Center (BPK) in the provincial capital of Samarinda on Friday.
He emphasized the importance of education and literacy about East Kalimantan’s cultural richness, from prehistoric times to the present day.
Fadli cited the discovery of 2,500 ancient cave paintings in Sangkulirang and relics from early kingdoms in the archipelago, including the Kutai Kingdom, considered the oldest in Indonesian history.
“We need to take care of these sites,” he stressed.
Fadli expressed hope that more cultural festivals would be organized to maximize East Kalimantan’s cultural potential.
He also encouraged the production of films with local and cultural themes centered on Kutai, Dayak, Banjar, Malay, and other ethnic groups in the province, as well as traditional arts such as the mandau—a traditional weapon—and the Hudoq dance.
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According to Fadli, East Kalimantan's historical wealth is well-balanced. The challenge lies in how to leverage and showcase this wealth through new forms of expression.
“These new expressions can take the form of artworks, dance, textiles, museums, documentary films, short films, and feature films—so the public becomes more familiar with East Kalimantan’s culture,” he said.
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He called on the local government to activate cultural parks and museums, expressing hope that with the establishment of the BPK, East Kalimantan’s cultural development will accelerate and its Cultural Progress Index will improve.
