RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - The Indonesian Ministry of Culture is pivoting toward professionalization and intellectual property (IP) recognition to safeguard the future of the keris, the nation's iconic traditional dagger.

Minister of Culture, Fadli Zon, emphasized that the longevity of this cultural heritage depends on more than just public appreciation. He remarked that it also requires the formal enhancement of practitioner capacities through a specialized professional certification program.

Speaking in Jakarta on Monday, March 9, 2026, Minister Fadli announced the establishment of the Indonesian Keris Professional Certification Institution, which currently offers 29 distinct schemes.

"We hope more people will appreciate the keris. Therefore, extensive literacy and research regarding the keris are required. The Culture Ministry has also opened the Indonesian Keris Professional Certification Institution to support this," the Minister said, as quoted by Antara.

This push for modernization coincides with the inauguration of the North Sumatra Regional Secretariat for the National Keris Secretariat (SNKI) for the 2026–2030 period. The Minister highlighted that the SNKI is one of only six Indonesian cultural organizations accredited by UNESCO.

Since its formation following the 2016 Keris Congress, the movement has seen exponential growth. "Initially, there were only about 16 keris platforms. Now, there are more than 250 practitioners across Indonesia. This signifies the continuity and sustainability of our culture," he added.

Beyond professional training, the Ministry is advocating for the keris to be legally recognized as a cornerstone of Indonesia’s cultural Intellectual Property.

The keris has been listed as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity since 2005, following the recognition of Wayang in 2004. However, the Minister expressed belief that formal IP status will provide a stronger domestic framework for its protection alongside other national treasures.

This cultural momentum extends to other heritage items as well. This year, Indonesia is preparing to submit two additional nominations for UNESCO inscription, which are Tempe (soybean cake) and Mak Yong (traditional Malay theater arts), the latter being a joint submission with Malaysia. The Ministry remains committed to a collaborative "government-with-people" model to ensure these traditions survive in a modern context.

General Chairperson of the SNKI North Sumatra Region, Zulfani Anhar, lauded the government's proactive role in steering the national cultural agenda. He noted that reintroducing Nusantara’s local wisdom through historical artifacts like the keris is vital for maintaining national identity. ***