Fadli Zon Encourages Preservation of R. Soetedjo's Music and Museum Development

Culture Minister Fadli Zon received the family of the late R. Soetedjo in an audience to discuss efforts to preserve the composer’s musical heritage. The meeting also addressed plans to establish the R. Soetedjo Museum in Purwokerto as part of broader efforts to strengthen the documentation of national music history.

During the meeting, Ario Prakoso, a grandson of R. Soetedjo, said the family wished to reintroduce the late composer’s legacy as a pioneer of music and orchestral performance in Indonesia. He noted that R. Soetedjo’s works, such as ‘Tidurlah Intan’ and ‘Di Tepinya Sungai Serayu’, remain well known to the public.

“We want to reintroduce R. Soetedjo as one of the pioneers of Indonesian music. Many people know his songs, but not necessarily his role and contributions to the history of national music,” said Ario in a written statement on Saturday (21 February 2026).

Artika, another grandchild of R. Soetedjo, presented the family’s research findings regarding the composer’s life and documentation. She noted that R. Soetedjo had led the Jakarta Studio Orchestra during its early period and contributed to the development of national orchestral music.

The family also claimed to have gathered supporting documents, ranging from educational records and career history to publications related to the composer’s works.

“We have now collected documents and references that can strengthen the documentation of his history,” Artika explained.

Beyond documentation, the family proposed developing the R. Soetedjo Arts Building in Purwokerto into a space for documentation and arts education, including the establishment of a museum housing archives and works by R. Soetedjo and local artists.

According to the family, the building already exists and is under the supervision of the local government, making it a viable candidate for development into a centre for musical literacy and appreciation.

“In the future, this museum could also become a tourist destination in Purwokerto. The building is already there, but it is empty and not functioning to its full potential. If it could be revitalised like Lokananta, it would certainly have a positive impact on the community,” said Artika.

Fadli Zon expressed his appreciation for the family’s initiative in preserving and documenting R. Soetedjo’s cultural heritage. He noted that R. Soetedjo’s contributions, including the founding and leadership of the Jakarta Studio Orchestra, represent an important part of the history of Indonesian music development.

“I appreciate the family’s efforts in tracing and completing the historical records. This is important as part of the documentation of national music history. Regarding the museum plans in Purwokerto, please submit a formal proposal so that we can follow up through the applicable procedures,” said Fadli.

Raden Soetedja Poerwodibroto, known as R. Soetedjo, was a composer and musician from Banyumas, Central Java, and one of the pioneers of modern Indonesian music development in the early independence era. He was recorded as having worked within Radio Republik Indonesia (RRI) in both Purwokerto and Jakarta, and led the Jakarta Studio Orchestra during his time.

Although some of his archives were reportedly lost in a fire at RRI Jakarta, a number of R. Soetedjo’s works are said to remain remembered as part of the collective memory of the public.

The meeting marked an initial step in coordination between the R. Soetedjo family and the Ministry of Culture to strengthen the preservation and documentation of national music history, including through collaboration with local government and community participation.

The meeting was also attended by the Minister’s Expert Staff for Economy and Cultural Industry, Anindita Kusuma Listya; the Minister’s Special Staff for Cultural Diplomacy and International Relations, Anissa Rengganis; and the Secretary of the Directorate General of Cultural Development, Utilisation, and Guidance, Judi Wahjudin. Also present were the Director of Film, Music, and the Arts, Syaifullah, as well as members of the late R. Soetedjo’s family.