KBRN, Ternate: The Head of the Law Ministry Regional Office for North Maluku, Budi Argap Situngkir, announced that the traditional Kololi Kie Ritual is officially protected by the state. This designation follows the formal registration of Kololi Kie with the Directorate General of Intellectual Property (DJKI) of the Law Ministry as Communal Intellectual Property (KIK) under the category of traditional cultural expression.

Kololi Kie is an ancestral ritual of the Ternate Sultanate community that involves circling Mount Gamalama, accompanied by prayers, pilgrimage to ancestral tombs, and is often held concurrently with celebrations like the Legu Tara No Ate Festival. The ritual's objectives include praying for protection from disaster and strengthening the community’s bond with its ancestors.

“Traditional cultural expression is any form of creative work, whether tangible or intangible, or a combination of both, that demonstrates the existence of a traditional culture and is inherited communally,” said Budi Argap Situngkir on Monday, October 20, 2025.

He emphasized that registering Communal Intellectual Property is crucial for preventing claims by other regions. Furthermore, it supports tourism development, the local economy, and the generational preservation of culture.

Budi also invited local administrations and the community to actively promote the protection of communal intellectual property by officially registering it with the DJKI of the Law Ministry. Alternatively, they can coordinate directly with the Law Ministry Regional Office for North Maluku.

“The goal is to identify potential Communal Intellectual Property in North Maluku, such as traditional cultural expressions, traditional knowledge, geographical indications, genetic resources, and other potential assets. Therefore, they can be protected and utilized for the benefit of the community,” concluded Budi. (Annaila Azzahra/Bambang MBKA)