Inp.polri.go.id - Malang. Minister of Culture Fadli Zon officially declared 19 April as National Kris Day to promote awareness and preservation of Indonesia’s cultural heritage.

The date commemorates the founding of the National Kris Secretariat, one of six organizations globally recognized by UNESCO in the field.

“This is part of our collective effort to preserve heritage,” Minister Fadli said at Universitas Brawijaya, Malang, on Saturday (19/4/2025).

He emphasized the kris, a traditional asymmetrical dagger, as a cultural symbol, often used in state diplomacy—highlighting that President Prabowo, even during his time as defense minister, frequently gifted kris to foreign leaders, as reported by antaranews.com.

The minister encouraged collaboration among central and local governments, universities, and cultural communities to foster youth interest in Indonesian traditions through books, podcasts, films, and exhibitions.

Universitas Brawijaya Rector Prof. Widodo added that universities should integrate traditional heritage into modern platforms to reach wider audiences, both locally and globally.