RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - Indonesia is accelerating efforts to safeguard its cultural heritage, with the government significantly expanding the number of nationally recognized cultural heritage sites and objects. The initiative is part of a broader strategy to strengthen cultural preservation and reinforce the country's historical identity for future generations.

Director General of Cultural Protection and Tradition at the Ministry of Culture, Restu Gunawan, in Jakarta, Monday, 22 June 2026 said the government has now designated 460 national cultural heritage objects. The figure marks a substantial increase from the 430 heritage objects officially recognized just a month earlier.

“Last month we designated 430 heritage objects, and now the number has reached 460,” Restu told a press conference in Jakarta on Monday. He added that the government is targeting the designation of 1,000 national cultural heritage objects by the end of the year.

To accelerate the process, the Ministry of Culture is encouraging more frequent heritage designations, increasing the schedule from once a year to three or four times annually. According to Restu, growing participation from regional governments has created momentum for expanding heritage protection across the archipelago.

He noted that technical challenges remain, particularly in collecting historical records, documentation, and supporting data required for heritage designation. Nevertheless, he expressed confidence that the government's annual target can be achieved through stronger cooperation between national and local authorities.

The ministry is also continuing efforts to document cultural assets at royal palaces, including the historic Keraton Surakarta Hadiningrat, where inventories of royal heirlooms and museum collections have been underway since June. These efforts aim to ensure that culturally significant objects receive proper protection and long-term preservation.

Beyond documentation, the government is expanding revitalization programs for royal palaces and traditional courts across Indonesia through dedicated cultural funding. Restoration initiatives are already being carried out in several locations, including Keraton Sumenep, with additional projects planned in other historic palaces throughout the country.

Minister of Culture, Fadli Zon, previously described the recent designation of hundreds of national cultural heritage objects as a record achievement. He said Indonesia possesses tens of thousands of potential heritage assets and expressed optimism that the total number of nationally registered cultural heritage objects could reach 1,750 or more in the coming years, strengthening the country's commitment to preserving its rich and diverse cultural legacy.