inp.polri.go.id - Samarinda. Minister of Culture Fadli Zon stated that the potential of cultural heritage owned by East Kalimantan  is quite large.

After inaugurating the Cultural Preservation Center (BPK) XIV East Kalimantan building in Samarinda, Fadli Zon said that the potential of Benua Etam is very rich, covering prehistoric relics to the early history of the archipelago. 

He noted that its utilization and literacy need to be improved, especially for the younger generation.

Fadli Zon emphasized the importance of education and literacy regarding the cultural richness of East Kalimantan, from the prehistoric era to the present.

He gave examples of the discovery of ancient paintings in Sangkulirang which number around 2,500 paintings on cave walls, as well as relics of early kingdoms in the archipelago, including the Kutai Kingdom which is the oldest kingdom in Indonesian history.

"We need to maintain these sites," said Fadli Zon.

To maximize this potential, Fadli Zon hopes that there will be more cultural festival activities, both expressions of dance, theater, music, film, and contemporary culture.

He also encouraged the making of films with local and cultural themes, such as Kutai, Dayak, Banjar, Malay, or other ethnic groups in East Kalimantan, including traditional art expressions such as the mandau and Hudoq Dance.

According to him, the rich history of East Kalimantan, from the relics of kingdoms and sultanates to prehistoric sites, makes this region very complete. The challenge is how to utilize and narrate this wealth, and bring it to the surface in various new expressions.

"The new expressions can be in the form of works of art, dance, wastra (cloths), new museums, appreciation in documentary films, short films, to feature films, so that the public is more familiar with the culture of East Kalimantan," he said.

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