Indonesia’s Culture Minister Urges Stronger Role of Cirebon Palace

RRI.CO.ID, Cirebon - Indonesia’s Minister of Culture, Fadli Zon, visited the historic Kasepuhan Palace in Cirebon, West Java, April 3, 2026, as part of efforts to strengthen regional cultural ecosystems. The visit reflects the government’s commitment to promoting national culture by reinforcing the role of traditional palaces as centers of cultural education.

During the visit, Fadli Zon, was welcomed by Sultan Sepuh XV of Cirebon, Luqman Zulkaedin, who explained the long history of the Kasepuhan Palace. He noted that the palace is about 600 years old and was founded by Sunan Gunung Jati, one of the most influential Islamic figures in Java.

The Sultan also highlighted that the Cirebon Sultanate continues the legacy of the Pajajaran Kingdom and remains active today. According to him, the Cirebon Sultanate is older than the royal courts of Yogyakarta and Surakarta, making it one of the oldest surviving Islamic kingdoms in Indonesia.

During the tour, the Minister praised the diversity of historical collections preserved at the palace complex. “We want to revive the historical narratives preserved here because Cirebon is not only an asset for West Java, but also a national treasure,” the minister said.

Moreover, he affirmed that stronger historical literacy and more engaging presentation could help younger generations better understand Indonesia’s cultural evolution. “With deeper literacy and a more vibrant arrangement, young people can experience the transformation of architecture and culture from the 15th century to the present,” he said.

One key aspect highlighted by the minister was the modernization of the Kasepuhan Palace Heritage Museum. While acknowledging that the museum already houses an impressive collection, he suggested improvements in storytelling and exhibition design.

“The museum is relatively well organized, but it needs a stronger storytelling approach and better lighting so the narrative can be more powerful and engaging for visitors,” Fadli Zon said.

At the end of the visit, the minister expressed hope that the Kasepuhan Palace would continue to evolve beyond a tourist destination. “We hope the palace will become not only a tourism site but also a center of cultural and scientific education that benefits the wider community,” he said