Ministry of Culture Strengthens Cultural Preservation through Nusantara Heritage Parade

Jakarta (ANTARA) - The Ministry of Culture (Kemenbud) organised the 2026 Nusantara Heritage Parade in the Borobudur area, Central Java, on Friday as an effort to strengthen cultural preservation as a living heritage. Culture Minister Fadli Zon stated that Borobudur’s strength lies not only in the grandeur of its temple but also in the traditional heirlooms, noble values, rituals, arts, customs, and collective memory still upheld by the community. “Hopefully (in the future) we can organise even more cultural activities, because Borobudur is also a living heritage. Religious and cultural activities are an inseparable part of Indonesian society,” said Fadli Zon in an official statement received in Jakarta on Saturday. He added that the Nusantara Heritage Parade serves as a space for cultural expression that brings together traditions, heirlooms, and active community participation. The Culture Minister expressed his enthusiasm as this parade is the first to be held in the Borobudur Temple area and involves all stakeholders related to cultural heritage. “We hope that with the improving services at Borobudur Temple, it becomes better known, more accessible for people with disabilities, friendly to seniors, and of course, welcoming to people from various backgrounds,” he said. It is known that the Nusantara Heritage Parade was held with the participation of around 1,000 participants, involving representatives from villages and cultural communities. The event began at the Beringin Gate, followed by a cultural parade carrying heirlooms to the Kenari Terrace. The series of activities continued with interfaith prayers and cultural rituals, as well as the handover of conservation seedlings as a symbol of sustainability in preservation. The 2026 Nusantara Heritage Parade becomes an important momentum in strengthening synergy between the government, communities, and society in safeguarding the nation’s cultural heritage, while presenting an authentic cultural experience in the Borobudur area. Through the Nusantara Heritage Parade, the Ministry of Culture hopes to increase public awareness of the importance of cultural preservation, while strengthening Borobudur’s position as a world cultural destination. Active participation from supporting village communities is expected to become the main foundation in maintaining the sustainability of cultural heritage, as well as encouraging the development of tourism based on local wisdom that is inclusive and sustainable. “We hope the spirit of mutual cooperation that we witnessed today can be continued to advance us together. The existence of Borobudur Temple must be felt together, including its benefits for the surrounding community and the wider society throughout Indonesia,” said the Culture Minister.