West Sumatra submits proposal for cultural centre development valued at Rp382 billion
Padang — The Government of West Sumatra Province has submitted a proposal to the Ministry of Culture for the development of the Ranah Minang cultural centre with a value of Rp382.65 billion.
“The development of the cultural centre or the area is designed as a centre for the development of arts, traditions and the creative economy in West Sumatra,” said West Sumatra Governor Mahyeldi following the submission of the cultural centre development proposal to the Minister of Culture Fadli Zon in Padang on Saturday.
Mahyeldi explained that the development of the cultural centre aims to strengthen cultural infrastructure whilst providing an integrated space for artistic activities and the preservation of Minangkabau traditions.
“We hope for support from the Ministry of Culture so that the development of this cultural centre can be realised soon,” said Mahyeldi.
According to Mahyeldi, the cultural centre area is designed in three main zones that are mutually integrated. Zone A will focus on the development of basic area facilities including roads, the office of the Cultural Park Technical Implementation Unit, a lounge, an art gallery and an open-air amphitheatre as a space for cultural performances.
Zone B is designed as a centre for artistic activities and creativity. The facilities to be built include art kiosks, cultural warungs (stalls), prayer rooms, art painting and sculpture workshops, dance studios, activity halls, spaces for the preservation of pasambahan traditions and bajamba meals, and an art storage facility.
This zone will also be equipped with a cultural library, oral literature laboratory, photography studio, film studio, podcast room, multimedia room, and a main theatre for art performances.
Meanwhile, Zone C is designed as a supporting facility for the area, comprising a small theatre, office of the Culture Office, hotel service area, restaurant, ballroom, and hotel rooms to support the hosting of large-scale arts and cultural events.
In addition to the development of the cultural centre, the governor also proposed the revitalisation of the former Governor’s Regional Government office on Setia Budi Street, Parak Kopi, Kayu Kubu Village, Guguk Panjang District, Bukittinggi City. The area has important historical value and has the potential to be developed as part of a cultural tourism destination in West Sumatra.
Meanwhile, Culture Minister Fadli Zon suggested that the development of the cultural area should also involve collaboration with Hotel Indonesia Natour (HIN), which is a state-owned enterprise managing a network of government-owned hotels.
“The development of the cultural area can be synergised with the management of state-owned hotels under HIN so that arts and cultural activities can be supported by accommodation facilities,” said Fadli.