Indonesia Reviews Historic Besuki Residency for Museum Development

RRI.CO.ID, Sitobondo - Indonesia’s Minister of Culture, Fadli Zon, inspected the former Besuki Residency building in Situbondo, East Java, Sunday, 25 January 2026. The visit was part of a broader cultural agenda aimed at preserving historic structures as active public cultural spaces.

The former official residence of the Besuki Resident is a protected heritage building at the regency level. With an age of more than 220 years, the site represents an important chapter in Indonesia’s colonial-era administrative history.

During the visit, Fadli Zon toured several sections of the building and highlighted its strong historical value. He said the structure holds significant potential to be further developed for public and educational use.

According to the minister, the building is physically suitable to function as a museum. He noted that it could play a key role in documenting and explaining the history of the former Besuki Residency, which once covered five regencies in East Java.

Beyond its museum potential, the minister encouraged the development of the site as a cultural and educational center. He said the building could also serve as a hub for learning activities and local arts in Situbondo.

Fadli Zon emphasized that the authenticity of the building remains well preserved, both in its layout and architectural character. He added that the site could potentially be upgraded to national-level cultural heritage status in the future.

The visit was attended by Situbondo Regent, Yusuf Rio Wahyu Prayogo, along with regional officials and cultural heritage stakeholders. The presence of local authorities underscored the importance of collaboration in heritage preservation efforts.

At the end of the visit, the minister called for continued coordination between the central and local governments. He stressed that heritage buildings must be protected, developed, and utilized in line with national cultural preservation principles to ensure their sustainability for future generations.