Samarinda (ANTARA) – The Samarinda City Education and Culture Office is preserving 17 cultural heritage sites to strengthen the city’s identity and historical legacy amid rapid urban development.
“The preservation of 17 cultural heritage sites, including Shiratal Mustaqim Mosque, Thien le Kong Temple, the National Awakening Monument, and the La Mohang Daeng Mangkona Cemetery, remains one of our top priorities in preserving the community’s collective memory,” Head of the Culture Division of Samarinda’s Education and Culture Office Barlin Hady Kusuma said in Samarinda on Sunday.
The historical sites are being developed into alternative public spaces that provide educational opportunities for students and the wider community.
Kusuma said the management of the city’s cultural heritage sites is aligned with the Samarinda administration’s long-term vision of developing the city into an advanced center of civilization with a strong cultural identity.
“We are striving to encourage younger generations to use cultural heritage sites as places to learn about history while also serving as venues for artistic expression,” he remarked.
Physical conservation efforts are being complemented by stronger local regulations to protect historical sites from the impact of rapid land-use conversion.
Kusuma added that collaboration with hundreds of art studios and local communities continues to be strengthened to revitalize the historic areas surrounding cultural tourism destinations.
“Well-preserved historical sites offer visitors valuable insights into the city’s history when they come to our city,” he said.
In addition to preserving tangible cultural heritage, the city government is actively promoting the registration of various elements of its intangible cultural heritage at the national level.
The city museum has also expanded digitalization initiatives and organized regular exhibitions to showcase hundreds of historical artifacts to visitors.
“The integration of cultural heritage sites, museums, and annual art festivals has proven effective in fostering residents’ pride in their local cultural heritage,” he emphasized.
The city government has also allocated sustainable capacity-building programs for local artists and cultural practitioners to help create a self-reliant ecosystem for preserving regional traditions.
According to Kusuma, comprehensive preservation efforts will not only strengthen Samarinda’s tourism appeal but also contribute to local economic growth.
“We call on all members of the public to work together in preserving these historical sites so that Samarinda’s identity can be safeguarded for future generations,” he said.
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Translator: Bayu Prasetyo
Editor: M Razi Rahman
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