“We are ready to cooperate and will provide facilitation,” Minister of Culture, Fadli Zon, said, according to a press release issued by the ministry here on Wednesday.
While receiving representatives from the national executive board (DPN) of Batak Center, he said that the ministry is prepared to support efforts to include ulos on the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization’s (UNESCO’s) list of intangible cultural heritage.
The ministry is also ready to support the revitalization of museums with specific themes, such as the Batak Museum, as centers for cultural education.
Minister Zon emphasized the importance of collaboration between the government and community organizations such as the Batak Center in efforts to preserve and advance culture.
“Cultural advancement is not solely the responsibility of the government but also all elements of society. We are very pleased to see that many organizations in Indonesia are deeply concerned about and committed to cultural advancement,” he said.
During the meeting with the Culture Minister, chairperson of the DPN Batak Center, Sintong M. Tampubolon, proposed the establishment of a Batak Museum in the Lake Toba area.
The museum is expected to serve as a center for documentation, education, and preservation of Batak culture, as well as support tourism development in Lake Toba.
In addition, DPN Batak Center is planning to hold the Ulos Festival in November 2025 and is pushing for the inclusion of ulos in UNESCO’s list of intangible cultural heritage.
Translator: Sinta, Kenzu
Editor: Aditya Eko Sigit Wicaksono
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