Three Solok Regency traditions recognised as national cultural heritage

The designation of the three traditions represents a form of recognition of the cultural wealth that has developed and been passed down from generation to generation within the community of Solok Regency.

Solok (ANTARA) - Three traditions of Solok Regency, West Sumatra, namely Samba Itam, Balota Palapah Pisang, and Randai Ilau, have been officially designated as Indonesia’s Intangible Cultural Heritage (WBTb) by the Ministry of Culture of the Republic of Indonesia.

Acting Regional Secretary of Solok Regency Masheri Yanda Boy in Solok on Saturday said the recognition was marked by the handover of WBTb certificates from the Ministry of Culture of the Republic of Indonesia to the Solok Regency Government in an event held at the West Sumatra Governorate Auditorium, Padang, on Friday (28/8).

The certificates were handed over by West Sumatra Governor Mahyeldi Ansharullah to the Solok Regency government, represented by Acting Regional Secretary Masheri Yanda Boy, accompanied by Head of the Tourism and Culture Office of Solok Regency Marcos Sophan.

The designation of the three traditions is a form of recognition of the cultural wealth that has developed and been passed down from generation to generation within the community of Solok Regency.

According to him, recognition as WBTb is not only a form of recording the existence of a tradition, but also a shared responsibility to ensure that the cultural heritage remains alive and known to future generations.

The Solok Regency Government needs to strengthen preservation efforts by introducing the traditions to the younger generation, including by providing space for the community to continue learning and practising them.

The existence of this cultural heritage also has the potential to strengthen regional identity. The wealth of local traditions can become part of culture-based tourism development while introducing Solok Regency to communities outside the region.

With national recognition, the three traditions are expected to receive greater attention from various parties, including the government, the community, cultural practitioners, and the younger generation.

The Solok Regency Government is also expected to continue carrying out the protection, development, and sustainable utilisation of cultural heritage so that the values contained within it are not eroded by the passage of time.

Samba Itam, Balota Palapah Pisang, and Randai Ilau thus not only become records of past culture, but continue to grow and develop as part of the life of the Solok Regency community.