RRI.CO.ID, Ternate - The Sarobadaka tradition of Ternate in North Maluku is now officially protected by the state. It has been registered as communal intellectual property (KIK) in the traditional cultural expression category by the Directorate General of Intellectual Property (DJKI) of the Ministry of Law.

The Sarobadaka tradition consists of traditional ceremonies performed by the people of Ternate before the wedding ceremony.

"The tradition ia an opportunity to introduce the bride and groom," said Budi Argap Situngkir, Head of the North Maluku Regional Office of the Ministry of Law, on Wednesday, January 21, 2026, as quoted by Antara.

Argap emphasized the importance of protecting the diverse potential of traditional cultural expressions, such as the Sarobadaka tradition, as the North Maluku community's communal intellectual property.

He explained that protecting communal intellectual property, including traditional cultural expressions, aims to maintain the nation's identity and dignity, preserve cultural heritage for future generations, and prevent commercial misuse by third parties.

"Protecting traditional cultural expressions can preserve community culture and encourage the creative economy by protecting communal intellectual property," he said.

He added that these expressions are all forms of creative works, whether tangible, intangible, or both, that demonstrate a traditional culture passed down by a community from generation to generation.

According to the Directorate General of Intellectual Property Rights (DJKI), Sarobadaka has sociocultural value and strengthens community ties, particularly between prospective brides and grooms.

"Cultural expressions need to be preserved and protected. We encourage local administrations and communities to register their cultural traditions with the Ministry of Law's Directorate General of Intellectual Property Rights immediately. This will help preserve ancestral heritage and ensure its survival for future generations," said Argap. ***