Ministry Supports Recognition of Kei Culture and Larvul Ngabal Customary Law

RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - The Indonesian Ministry of Culture is throwing its full weight behind the preservation of Kei culture in Southeast Maluku, Maluku Province, recognizing it as a vital hub of maritime civilization. In a meeting held on Tuesday, April 7, 2026, Minister of Culture, Fadli Zon, met with Southeast Maluku Regent Muhammad Thaher Hanubun to discuss elevating local traditions to the national and international stage.

The primary focus of the meeting was the formal proposal to designate Larvul Ngabal, a traditional legal system governing social order and human rights that predates the formation of the Indonesian state, as an Indonesian Intangible Cultural Heritage.

Regent Hanubun highlighted that the Kei Islands are not merely a historical site but a living example of a structured and sustainable cultural system. This is evidenced by the region's complex social regulation, where Kei culture actively governs social relations, leadership structures, and community living spaces.

Furthermore, the geographic importance of the region cannot be overstated, as the 76 islands of Southeast Maluku are situated between the Banda and Arafura Seas near Australia. This strategic location ensures the islands serve as a critical link in the maritime history of the Indonesian archipelago.

Director General of Cultural Protection and Tradition, Restu Gunawan, emphasized that local administrations must systematically document these assets to prepare for future UNESCO submissions. To aid this process, the Ministry highlighted the Dana Indonesia Raya (Great Indonesia Fund) as a financial resource available to individuals, communities, and cultural institutions in the region.

Minister Fadli Zon praised the resilience of the Southeast Maluku people in maintaining their ancestral laws. "This shows that culture is not only inherited but also manages social relations and community living spaces," he noted, as quoted by the ministry's official website.

The Ministry also confirmed its support for the upcoming Festival Pesona Meti Kei in October, which aims to showcase the region's unique heritage to a broader audience.

The Ministry of Culture is actively encouraging the strengthening of Kei cultural advancement as a region rich in both tangible and intangible cultural potential. By documenting Larvul Ngabal Customary Law, the government aims to reinforce a system of values and community life based on local wisdom.

The Director General also highlighted the opportunity to use Dana Indonesia Raya as an instrument to support cultural activities and make public spaces more accessible for cultural expression. Through a collaborative effort between the central and regional administrations, the Kepulauan Kei region is set to become a primary example of how living cultural practices can be preserved and documented for future generations. ***