Ministry of Culture supports Serang City in strengthening cultural promotion regulations

The Ministry of Culture and Serang City’s Regional Regulation Formation Agency (BAPEMPERDA) have agreed to strengthen cultural promotion through the drafting of regional regulations and enhancing the cultural ecosystem in the area. Culture Minister Fadli Zon stated during a strategic meeting at the Ministry of Culture’s office in Jakarta that Banten has significant potential for cultural development due to its long history and diverse cultural sites. ‘Banten needs distinctive, unique festivals recognised at the national level, not just within Banten,’ Fadli Zon said in a written statement received in Jakarta on Tuesday. He cited cultural assets such as Keraton Surosowan and Kaibon, which can be revitalised and activated to build a cultural ecosystem. During the meeting, the Serang City Government was reported to be promoting development that balances structural and cultural aspects to preserve the community’s cultural roots amid urban expansion. BAPEMPERDA Serang Chairman Edi Santoso said culture must be the foundation of regional development as Serang City’s strengths lie in its history and culture. ‘Tourism must not stray from cultural roots. Culture must be the cornerstone and foundation of Serang City’s development,’ he added. Meanwhile, academic and cultural activist Ferry Sandi said the push to draft the Raperda on Cultural Promotion stemmed from Serang City’s Cultural Congress in September 2025, which gathered input from artists and cultural figures. Additionally, the local government will strengthen institutional frameworks by merging culture, tourism, and creative economy sectors into a single regional agency to focus cultural management. Serang City Government also confirmed readiness to provide land for cultural infrastructure development, including cultural centres as gathering spaces for art and culture communities.