RRI.CO.ID, South Nias - Indonesia is reinforcing the role of cultural heritage as a foundation for sustainable regional development, with South Nias identified as one of the country's most significant cultural landscapes. Minister of Culture Fadli Zon delivered the message during the 23rd anniversary celebration of South Nias Regency at Orurusa Field in Teluk Dalam, North Sumatra, Tuesday, 28 July 2026.

The anniversary celebration featured a cultural festival under the theme "Talahi Bersama Membangun Nias Selatan" (Moving Forward Together to Build South Nias). The event also served as a platform to strengthen collaboration between the central government, local authorities, communities, and the private sector in advancing Indonesia's cultural heritage.

Fadli said South Nias possesses cultural assets of exceptional value that form an integral part of Indonesia's national identity. He highlighted the region's living traditions, which continue to be preserved and practiced by local communities.

"The Fahombo stone-jumping tradition, the only one of its kind in the world, traditional dances, performing arts, Omo Sebua and Omo Hada traditional houses, megalithic stone monuments, and the living traditional knowledge of the community—including Bawomataluo, which we will continue to promote for UNESCO World Heritage status—are cultural treasures that must be safeguarded and passed on to future generations," he said.

The minister stressed that preserving culture is increasingly important amid the challenges of modernization and globalization. He noted that cultural advancement is mandated by Indonesia's Constitution and should remain an essential part of the nation's contribution to global civilization.

The Minister also called for stronger collaboration among the central government, regional administrations, local communities, businesses, and cultural stakeholders to protect and develop Indonesia's cultural heritage. He said the preservation, development, and utilization of culture cannot succeed without broad-based cooperation.

During the visit, the minister reaffirmed the government's commitment to preserving and revitalizing South Nias' traditional houses while expanding opportunities for artists, cultural practitioners, and indigenous communities to continue preserving their heritage. He added that strengthening the cultural ecosystem would also support the development of cultural tourism and improve local livelihoods.

South Nias Regent, Sokhiatulo Laia, said the regency's anniversary was not only a celebration of its history but also a moment to strengthen collaboration for future development. Both the central and local governments expressed hope that South Nias' unique cultural heritage would continue to thrive, attract more domestic and international visitors, and contribute to Indonesia's cultural presence on the global stage.