Culture Minister Ensures Keraton Kasepuhan Will Soon Become a National Cultural Heritage Site

Cirebon (ANTARA) - Culture Minister Fadli Zon has confirmed that Keraton Kasepuhan in Cirebon, West Java, will soon be designated as a national cultural heritage site after an inspection of its current condition. During his visit to Keraton Kasepuhan in Cirebon on Friday, the minister stated that the assessment showed the area is relatively well-maintained, although several improvements and revitalisation efforts are still required. “Of course, there are things that need to be repaired and revitalised because this is a very old palace. We will soon designate this as a national cultural heritage site,” he said. According to him, Keraton Kasepuhan was built in the 15th century, around the 1400s, and underwent architectural developments until the 18th century. With an area of around 25 hectares, he said, the palace complex features many buildings that reflect Cirebon’s long historical journey. Fadli stated that the government will promote revitalisation of several buildings with high cultural value in the area. In addition, he assessed that the museum within the palace complex has a fairly complete collection of high historical value. “We can help with touches in storytelling and also the museum display,” he said. He added that the last museum update was in 2017, so it needs refreshing, including in the display layout and lighting. Besides Keraton Kasepuhan, the Ministry of Culture will also review the revitalisation of other palaces in Cirebon, such as Kanoman and Kacirebonan. Fadli mentioned that the determination of revitalisation priorities will be adjusted to capabilities and preservation needs. He hopes that these steps can strengthen Cirebon’s position as one of the important cultural centres in West Java and Indonesia.