RRI.CO.ID, Situbondo - Indonesia’s Minister of Culture, Fadli Zon, inaugurated the historic Pendopo Pate Alos in Besuki, Situbondo, East Java, Sunday, 25 January 2026. The reopening marks a new chapter following the revitalization of a key colonial-era building now repositioned as a cultural landmark.

The pavilion, formerly known as Kawedanan Besuki, once served as an important administrative center during the colonial period. Its restoration reflects Indonesia’s broader effort to preserve historical architecture while redefining its role for contemporary public use.

In his remarks, Minister Fadli Zon underscored that cultural advancement is a constitutional mandate under Indonesia’s 1945 Constitution. He said culture should not only be protected, but also developed and utilized as a long-term national asset.

“Culture is not a burden, but a treasure that will never be depleted,” Fadli Zon said. He noted that revitalized heritage buildings can function as centers for culture, education, and public learning.

The minister stressed that revitalization goes beyond physical restoration. He said Pendopo Pate Alos is being reactivated so that heritage and history remain alive and relevant for present and future generations.

The newly revitalized pavilion is expected to become an inclusive public space hosting cultural activities, exhibitions, and community programs. Authorities also plan to develop the site into a museum documenting the history of the former Besuki Residency, which once covered five regencies.

Beyond its cultural role, the pavilion is projected to support the local creative economy and small businesses. The initiative forms part of a long-term plan to establish a sustainable Besuki heritage ecosystem through collaboration among governments, communities, and the private sector.

Indonesia’s Ministry of Culture reaffirmed its commitment to safeguarding historical sites by transforming them into active cultural spaces. Through projects like Pendopo Pate Alos, the government aims to link heritage preservation with education, tourism, and sustainable local development.