Indonesia Preserves Aman Datuk Madjoindo's Literary Legacy

RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - Indonesian Minister of Culture Fadli Zon held a strategic dialogue with the Chairman of the Aman Datuk Madjoindo Foundation (YAMANDO), retired National Police Commissioner General Boy Rafli Amar. The meeting, held at the Ministry of Culture building in Senayan, Jakarta on Monday, September 7, 2026, discussed efforts to preserve the spirit and values passed down by Minangkabau literary figure Aman Datuk Madjoindo, including through literacy and cultural preservation strategies.

Fadli Zon expressed support for utilizing a traditional rumah gadang in Sirukam Village, West Sumatra, formerly the hometown of Aman Datuk Madjoindo, as a museum and library featuring a collection of his literary works. He said historic buildings could be developed as living heritage sites and museums with appropriate exhibition standards.

Although the proposed museum would be located in a village, Fadli emphasized that museums throughout Indonesia should meet international exhibition standards. “The Ministry of Culture certainly supports programs related to the preservation of historic buildings, particularly cultural facilities and infrastructure,” Fadli said.

“The rumah gadang could be utilized as a museum or library. If it is eventually converted into a museum, we may be able to provide support to improve the arrangement of the building and develop it into a museum or library,” he added.

Fadli also highlighted the role of the Ministry of Culture’s Technical Implementation Units (UPTs), which serve as the ministry’s field-level representatives in implementing strategic programs. Their presence is considered crucial for conducting direct assessments, documenting assets, and providing technical assistance to ensure that cultural heritage revitalization efforts are properly targeted.

The Minister further emphasized the importance of preserving local culture, particularly oral traditions and literature. In line with Aman Datuk Madjoindo’s legacy as a Minangkabau writer known for his contributions to children’s literature, Fadli encouraged oral traditions, literature, and customary practices to be incorporated into local content programs and potentially developed as dedicated subjects in schools.

He expressed optimism that introducing local literary content in schools could help pass oral traditions from one generation to the next while also fostering greater interest in reading and literacy among younger generations. Such efforts, he said, could strengthen the connection between cultural preservation and the development of young people’s literacy.

Meanwhile, Boy Rafli Amar emphasized the importance of works by literary figures from across the Indonesian archipelago as reading materials for the country’s younger generation. He said age-appropriate books could play an important role in shaping young people’s character.

“We encourage the traditional rumah gadang, which is currently in very simple condition, to be developed into a reading garden or cultural house that can serve as a space for literacy outreach as well as cultural tourism,” Boy Rafli Amar said.

The meeting was also attended by literature advocate Ati Ismail and members of the YAMANDO organization, including Supervisory Board Chair M. Rifki, Foundation School Chair Asterina Afrianty, advisor Huriyani, secretary Haldisyam Mahendra, and treasurer Sarita Kusumawati. Also present were Special Advisor to the Minister for Cultural Diplomacy and International Relations Annisa Rengganis, Special Advisor to the Minister for Cultural Economy and Industry Anindita Kusuma Listya, and Secretary of the Directorate General of Cultural Heritage Protection and Traditions Lita Rahmiati.

Through the strategic dialogue between the Ministry of Culture and YAMANDO, the collaboration is expected not only to revitalize the historic rumah gadang in Sirukam Village, but also to strengthen the foundation for literacy and the preservation of children’s literature at the national level. Integrating local culture into school curricula is expected to become a shared commitment to ensure that Aman Datuk Madjoindo’s values and legacy continue to live on, inspire future generations, and foster a lasting interest in reading among Indonesian youth.