Culture Minister pushes for strengthening the role of keraton as a centre for cultural education

Jakarta (ANTARA) - Culture Minister Fadli Zon is pushing for the strengthening of the Keraton Kasepuhan Cirebon’s role as a centre for cultural education by modernising the exhibition layout of the Pusaka Museum within it and revitalising the existing historical narratives. “With deeper literacy touches and more vibrant arrangements, we hope the younger generation can experience the transformation of architecture and culture from the 15th century to the present,” Fadli stated in remarks received in Jakarta on Friday. He made these comments after inspecting the Keraton Kasepuhan Cirebon on Friday. Fadli paid special attention to the collection at the Pusaka Museum of the Keraton Kasepuhan, which he described as very comprehensive and extraordinary. Fadli emphasised that the historical narratives there are a national asset, making the aspect of “storytelling” important to revive. “The museum is already relatively good; it just needs a few touches in ‘storytelling’ and exhibition layout, especially lighting, so that the narratives conveyed can be stronger and more appealing to visitors,” Fadli said. Kanjeng Gusti Pangeran Raja Adipati Sultan Sepuh XV Luqman Zulkaedin welcomed the Culture Minister’s visit. The Sultan explained the history of the Keraton Kasepuhan Cirebon, which is around 600 years old and was originally founded by Sunan Gunung Jati. The Cirebon Sultanate is a continuation of the Pajajaran Kingdom. Thus, the age of the sultanate can be said to be older than the Keraton Yogyakarta and Surakarta. The Sultan also described the physical condition of the keraton buildings. The keraton area spans about 25 hectares. Pangeran Cakrabuana previously built brick walls around the area. Within it are several buildings, such as Siti Inggil, Gapura Candi Bentar, the Pusaka Museum of the Kasepuhan Keraton Cirebon, the Kasepuhan Keraton Building Dalem Agung Pakungwati, and other structures. The Sultan conveyed that the physical condition of the keraton at that time required special handling. With the Culture Minister inspecting the site directly, the Keraton Kasepuhan Cirebon is expected to become increasingly relevant as a centre for cultural and scientific education for the wider community. Culture Minister Fadli Zon is committed to continuing a series of visits to various other cultural nodes in the Nusantara.