Antara News is reporting that the Indonesian government has officially designated April 19 as National Keris Day to raise public awareness of the importance of preserving the keris, a traditional Javanese dagger, as part of the nation’s cultural heritage.
At a press conference at Brawijaya University in Malang, East Java, Minister of Culture Fadli Zon said the date was chosen to commemorate the first national congress of the Indonesian National Keris Secretariat (SNKI), held in Surakarta, Central Java, on April 19, 2011.
The keris was recognized by UNESCO in 2005 as a Masterpiece of Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity and has been listed as a world intangible cultural heritage since 2008, says Antara News.
Zon emphasized the key role of the SNKI in keris preservation, noting that the organization is one of the accredited non-governmental organizations (NGOs) with UNESCO.
He expressed hope that the establishment of National Keris Day would inspire Indonesians, especially the younger generation, to learn more about the keris as a symbol of cultural identity.
“Raising awareness is crucial to inspire more people to engage in cultural preservation,” he said.
Highlighting Indonesia’s rich cultural legacy, Zon added, “We hope that cultural treasures like the keris and wayang (traditional puppet theater) will be preserved for generations to come.”
To make the celebration impactful, Zon called for stronger collaboration among the central and regional governments, academic institutions, and cultural communities, says Antara News.
“Today, we have more tools than just books to promote cultural literacy, such as podcasts, documentaries, discussions, and exhibitions,” he noted.
He also expressed confidence in the keris as a tool of cultural diplomacy.
“Even during his time as defense minister, and now as president, Mr. Prabowo (Subianto) has often gifted keris daggers to world leaders. I believe the keris can represent our nation,” Zon said.
Source: Antara News
