RRI.CO,ID, Surakarta - Indonesian Minister of Culture, Fadli Zon, conducted an inspection of the Keraton Surakarta Hadiningrat complex in Central Java, on Thursday, March 26, 2026. The visit marks the beginning of a strategic, multi-year revitalization project aimed at preserving one of Java’s most significant centers of civilization and history.

The Minister emphasized that the Keraton (palace) is not merely a collection of buildings but a living repository of Javanese tradition and peradaban (civilization). The Ministry of Culture is committed to a phased and sustainable restoration of the palace, its museums, and the surrounding cultural zones.

He clarified that the revitalization project will go significantly beyond basic structural repairs, adopting a multi-dimensional approach to heritage preservation.

The new strategy prioritizes historical narrative strengthening, which ensures that the deep-seated stories and cultural values of the palace are accurately preserved for future generations. To ensure the site operates at a world-class level, the Ministry is also focusing on professional management by implementing modern, international standards for heritage site administration.

Furthermore, the project emphasizes technological integration, utilizing advanced digital tools, such as augmented reality or interactive exhibits to enhance the educational and immersive experience for the public.

“The Surakarta Palace is a center of Javanese civilization with great potential to become a world-class cultural destination,” the Minister said, as quoted by the ministry's official website.

During the inspection, the Minister toured the Siti Hinggil and the Keraton Museum to assess their current condition. A major highlight of the visit was the planning for Keraton Kilen (West Palace), which is slated to be transformed into an "open museum" accessible to the public. Technical studies and mapping for this specific area are expected to begin later this year.

“The Keraton Kilen holds very important historical value. In the future, this area will be developed as part of an open museum accessible to the public,” Fadli Zon explained.

The visit coincided with an Eid al-Fitr Silaturahmi gathering at Sasana Handrawina, attended by the Surakarta royal family and local officials. Panembahan Tedjowulan, who oversees the protection and development of the heritage site, hailed the occasion as a vital moment for unity within the palace walls.

"Eid is a momentum for us all to be harmonious again for the continuity and progress of the Keraton," Tedjowulan remarked, expressing appreciation for the central government's support.

The revitalization project is a collaborative effort involving the Ministry of Culture, the Surakarta City Administration led by Mayor Respati Achmad Ardianto, and the Royal Family. As a National Cultural Heritage site, the palace stands as a constitutional priority to advance Indonesian culture on the global stage. ***