Minister of Culture proposes the construction of a coffee shop at Bung Karno's former residence

Bengkulu (ANTARA) - Minister of Culture, Fadli Zon, has proposed the construction of a coffee shop and library at the former residence of Indonesia’s first president, Soekarno, in Bengkulu. The aim is to attract younger generations to visit the historical site.

“We are at Bung Karno’s former residence in Bengkulu. Bung Karno was exiled by the Dutch colonialists from 1938 to 1942 until the arrival of the Japanese. I think this can be made into a centre for information, learning, recreation, education and culture,” said the Minister in Bengkulu on Wednesday.

Fadli also suggested that the entrance fee to the Bung Karno residence, which is currently IDR 5,000 per person, should be increased as a way of appreciating the cultural heritage.

“In my opinion, the price can be increased. I think it is important to attract people here so that they can drink Bengkulu coffee and enjoy local cuisine, which has become an intangible cultural heritage of Indonesia from Bengkulu,” he said.

With the addition of a coffee shop and a mini-library at Bung Karno’s former residence, tourists can enjoy the historical site while enjoying Bengkulu’s signature coffee.

Currently, the number of visitors to the Bung Karno residence is around 1,500 to 3,000 per month. It is hoped that the proposed initiative will increase the number of visitors.

“We hope that more people, especially young people, will come to Bengkulu, particularly to Bung Karno’s former residence, which has been well maintained by the museum and cultural heritage department of the Ministry of Culture,” said the Minister.