RRI.CO.ID, Serang - To honor the intellectual legacy and intercontinental struggle of one of Indonesia’s greatest heroes, the Ministry of Culture held a grand commemoration of the 400th Anniversary of the Birth of Syekh Yusuf Al-Makassari at the historic Great Mosque of Banten Lama on Tuesday, April 28, 2026.

The event, marked by performances of Rampak Bedug and Ratoh Jaroe dances, celebrated a figure whose influence has been formally recognized by UNESCO. Syekh Yusuf stands as a unique historical bridge, holding the title of National Hero in both Indonesia and South Africa.

Culture Minister Fadli Zon described Syekh Yusuf as a complete figure who mastered both the pen and the sword. "Syekh Yusuf is a complete figure who united the power of thought through 50 Sufi works with physical action against colonialism," Minister Fadli said, noting the hero's deep ties to Banten as a mufti and the son-in-law of Sultan Ageng Tirtayasa, as quoted on the Ministry's official website.

During the ceremony, Minister Fadli Zon announced a major strategic initiative: the establishment of the Syekh Yusuf Museum in Cape Town, South Africa. This project, which has received approval from President Prabowo Subianto, will serve as an Indonesian Cultural House to strengthen bilateral ties and preserve the history of the Indonesian diaspora in Africa.

Additionally, the Ministry committed to accelerating the designation of Banten Lama’s historic sites as National Cultural Heritage sites to ensure the preservation of living heritage like the Great Mosque.

The 400th-anniversary program featured a diverse range of educational and spiritual activities designed to honor Syekh Yusuf's vast legacy. The event included intellectual discourse where experts like Oman Fathurahman explored the hero's enduring relevance in the modern era.

In a powerful collective action known as Khatmil Quran bil Kitabah, 500 students gathered to participate in the handwritten transcription of the Quran. Visitors were also invited to a manuscript exhibition showcasing original documents recognized as part of the UNESCO Memory of the World.

The celebration concluded with a moving spiritual performance by the musical group Debu and a nationalist poetry reading by Ferry Sandi.

The commemoration was attended by approximately 1,000 guests, including members of the diplomatic corps such as the Ambassador of Yemen, H.E. Salem Ahmed Abdulrahman Balfaqeeh, alongside representatives from the Malaysian and Iranian embassies. Local leaders, university officials, and descendants of Syekh Yusuf's family also gathered to witness the milestone. ***