Fadli Zon Highlights Importance of Preserving Kassian Cephas’ Legacy

RRI.CO.ID, Yogyatkarta - Indonesia’s Minister of Culture, Fadli Zon, has emphasized the importance of preserving and archiving the works of Kassian Cephas, considered the first indigenous photographer in Indonesia. He made the statement while paying a cultural tribute at Sasanalaya Public Cemetery in Yogyakarta on Tuesday, September 8, 2026.

He said Kassian Cephas played an important role in documenting historical sites and the lives of Javanese people in the late 19th century. “Kassian Cephas was among the first photographers from the indigenous community to capture many of our cultural sites,” he said.

Cephas was known as the official photographer of the Yogyakarta Palace and documented several historic sites, including the Prambanan and Borobudur temples. He also photographed the rare Karmawibhangga reliefs at Borobudur before they were covered again.

According to the Minister, Cephas’ works are historically significant and comparable to those produced by foreign photographers working in Indonesia at the time. He said the photographs provide valuable sources for understanding the development of Indonesian culture.

During the visit, Fadli also paid tribute at the grave of Arie Lasut, a national figure who contributed to the fields of mining and geology during Indonesia’s early years of independence. He also visited the grave of Nikolai Varfolomeev, a musician, conductor, and composer who contributed to the development of music in Indonesia.

He further conveyed the Sasanalaya cemetery should be preserved as an important historical site that reflects the contributions of figures who played a role in Indonesia’s cultural and national development. The government is also encouraging a culture-based photography ecosystem to continue documenting and promoting Indonesia’s cultural heritage for future generations.