Culture Minister Fadli Zon Channels Aid to Residents Around the Banuaraja Cultural Site

Culture Minister of the Republic of Indonesia (Menbud RI) Fadli Zon visited several historic sites in Aceh as part of a working trip. He inspected sites affected by floods in the recent past and distributed aid to residents.

During the visit, Fadli praised the spirit of the community and students who continued to carry on with their activities amid the recovery process. He said that unity and mutual cooperation are a crucial strength to rise from difficult conditions.

‘Taking into account the spirit of the community, from parents to children, we are confident that we can rise, be optimistic, and recover quickly and strongly,’ Fadli said in a written statement on Sunday (8 March 2026).

That was said during a visit to the Istana Banuaraja site area and Sekolah Inspirasi Bangsa, and while reviewing temporary housing (huntara) for flood-affected residents. The visit took place on Saturday (7 March).

Furthermore, Fadli symbolically handed over aid to residents around the Istana Benua Raja Site and Sekolah Inspirasi Bangsa. He also handed over symbolic rendang as well as support for temporary shelters (huntara) for affected residents.

The aid is described as part of the Ministry of Culture’s support to ensure that recovery in the affected areas proceeds sustainably. The ministry hopes that community activities, the preservation of cultural sites, and educational activities in the area can resume optimally.

Concluding the series of activities, Fadli expressed his belief that Aceh Tamiang residents have solidarity to recover from the disaster’s impact. He said that the central and regional governments, together with ministries/agencies and community elements, would continue to cooperate to support the recovery process so that residents can recover.

The Ministry of Culture also stated its commitment to assist the recovery of culture sites affected by the disaster while paying attention to the sustainability of the surrounding communities. The support will be provided through programmes for preservation, restoration, and empowerment of communities so that cultural heritage remains safeguarded while supporting welfare.

For information, Aceh’s Vice Governor Fadlullah and Aceh Tamiang Regent Armia Fahmi were also in attendance. Also present were Wawan Yogaswara, Secretary of the Directorate General for Cultural Protection and Tradition; I Made Dharma Suteja, Director of Cultural Heritage; Piet Rusdi, Head of the Centre for Cultural Preservation Region I Aceh; and Sukronedi, Head of Balai Pelestarian Wilayah II Medan.