Culture Minister Opens Restoration of Padang Betuah Mosque Historic Building
Indonesia’s Culture Minister Fadli Zon inaugurated the restoration of the Padang Betuah Mosque Protected Cultural Heritage Building in Central Bengkulu district, Bengkulu Province, today. The ceremony was marked by the signing of a commemorative plaque symbolising the completion of restoration work conducted by the Regional Cultural Preservation Bureau VII Bengkulu in 2025.
He stated that Padang Betuah Mosque is one of the district-level cultural heritage sites possessing a lengthy historical legacy and representing an important part of Central Bengkulu’s community narrative.
“This mosque is not merely a physical structure, but a historical trace and embodiment of community identity. We bear the responsibility to maintain the heritage of our predecessors so that our nation does not lose its direction,” Fadli Zon said in a written statement, Thursday (26/2/2026).
According to him, the government is currently accelerating the designation, documentation, protection, development, and utilisation of cultural heritage in accordance with the mandate of the Law on Cultural Advancement. This year, the Culture Ministry is conducting restoration work on 152 cultural heritage sites throughout Indonesia, including palaces and royal remnants in various regions.
“In Bengkulu Province, numerous historical inheritances hold important value such as Fort Marlborough, Bengkulu Grand Mosque, Bung Karno’s Exile House, and the tomb of Sentot Alibasyah Prawirodirjo. The existence of these sites enriches the historical narrative and regional identity,” he explained.
Fadli emphasised that cultural heritage preservation is a multisectoral shared responsibility involving central government, regional authorities, villages, private sector, communities, and community leaders. The existence of the Culture Ministry as a dedicated ministry, he continued, represents President Prabowo Subianto’s commitment to placing culture as the foundation of national development.
He hopes that following this restoration, Padang Betuah Mosque can be upgraded to provincial heritage status and subsequently proposed as a national cultural heritage site.
“Padang Betuah Mosque, with its simplicity, preserves a long story. With strong narrative and good management, it can become a religious and historical destination providing meaningful experiences for the community and younger generations,” he said.
As part of ongoing efforts to advance culture, the Culture Ministry will continue to strengthen collaboration with regional authorities and communities in sustainable cultural heritage preservation.
“The restoration of Padang Betuah Mosque is hoped not only to preserve historical heritage, but also to revitalise cultural spaces that provide social, educational, and economic benefits to the surrounding community, whilst reinforcing culture as the foundation of national development,” he concluded.
Meanwhile, Bengkulu Provincial Regional Secretary Herwan Antoni C expressed appreciation for the Culture Ministry’s support in restoring Padang Betuah Mosque and emphasised the regional government’s commitment to protecting cultural heritage. He stated that cultural heritage preservation is a shared responsibility, not only in maintaining the building’s authenticity but also in caring for its historical value and regional identity.
“Cultural heritage preservation is not merely about maintaining the building’s authenticity, but also about caring for its historical value, strengthening regional identity, and instilling pride in the next generation. We hope that the restored Padang Betuah Mosque can function optimally as a space for worship, education, and religious tourism for the community,” he said.
On the same occasion, the Head of the Regional Cultural Preservation Bureau VII Iskandar stated that the mosque, estimated to have been established in the nineteenth century, around 1823, serves as the spiritual heart of Padang Betuah Village community, with distinctive architecture featuring a tiered roof reflecting the synthesis of local and Islamic cultural values.
“Historically, this mosque also served as a spiritual oasis for coastal Bengkulu fighters facing colonial pressure. The name ‘Padang Betuah’ derives from Minangkabau language meaning ‘Sacred Sword’, referring to the sword belonging to Datuk Bagindo Maharajo Sakti, an emissary of the Pagaruyung King who travelled along the western coast of Sumatra,” he said.
The inauguration of Padang Betuah Mosque Cultural Heritage Restoration was attended by numerous officials from Bengkulu Provincial Government, including the Second Assistant to Central Bengkulu Regent Nurul Iwan Setiawan; Head of Bengkulu Provincial Tourism Office Murli Hanizar; Acting Head of Central Bengkulu Education and Culture Service Eriyanto; Padang Betuah Village officials, as well as numerous religious leaders, cultural figures, and community leaders. Also present accompanying Culture Minister Fadli were Director-General for Cultural Protection and Traditions Restu Gunawan and Special Staff to the Culture Minister for Protocol and Administration Rachmanda Primayuda.