Indonesia Restores 19th-Century Historic Mosque to Strengthen Cultural Heritage

RRI.CO.ID, Limap Puluh Kota - Indonesia’s Ministry of Culture has completed the first phase of restoration work on Masjid Tuo Ampang Gadang, a historic mosque in West Sumatra that dates back to 1834. The project forms part of broader efforts to preserve cultural heritage while promoting sustainable tourism and community development.

Minister of Culture Fadli Zon, officially inaugurated the completion of the restoration during a visit to the site in Lima Puluh Kota Regency. The ceremony was marked by the signing of a commemorative plaque witnessed by local government officials, including Regent Safni Sikumbang and Deputy Regent Ahlul Badrito Resha.

Based on the release received by RRI VOI, in Jakarta, Sunday, June 21, 2026, Fadli said the restoration represents an important step in safeguarding one of West Sumatra’s significant cultural landmarks. He emphasized that preserving heritage sites requires long-term collaboration between government institutions, local communities, private partners, and cultural advocates.

“We are working collaboratively with the central government, provincial and local governments, private corporations, and individuals who care about cultural heritage,” he said during the inauguration.

According to the minister, the next stage of the project will focus on improving the surrounding area, including site landscaping, fencing, and visitor information facilities. The work is expected to be completed by the end of 2026.

Fadli expressed hope that the mosque would continue to serve as a living cultural and religious center for the local community. He also encouraged further academic research into the site's historical significance, including its possible connection to Islamic scholarly and spiritual traditions in the region.

Local authorities welcomed the restoration project, describing it as an important contribution to both cultural preservation and regional development. Regent Safni Sikumbang said the initiative aligns with national cultural priorities as well as the regency’s long-term development plans.

Future restoration efforts will include the mosque’s historic minaret, which was built in 1901. The structure is believed to reflect a unique blend of Minangkabau architectural traditions and Mughal influences from Central Asia, highlighting centuries of cultural interaction in the region.

The Ministry of Culture and local government authorities aim to develop the Masjid Tuo Ampang Gadang area into an integrated destination for cultural heritage, religious tourism, culinary experiences, and nature-based tourism. Officials hope the initiative will generate economic opportunities for local residents while preserving the site for future generations.