RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - The Ministry of Culture, through the Directorate of Human Resources, Institutions, and Cultural Institutions, held a Cultural Village Appreciation event in Huta Sinapuran, Samosir, North Sumatra, on February 7, 2026. This event was part of the 2025 Village Cultural Advancement Program, which aims to strengthen the role of villages in preserving and developing national culture.

Five selected villages received awards on this occasion: Cibaliung (Banten), Duarato (NTT), Suak Timah (Aceh), Tanjung Isuy (East Kalimantan), and Tebat Patah (Jambi). These villages were recognized for their success in establishing a sustainable cultural ecosystem that positively impacts their residents socially, ecologically, and economically.

Since 2021, more than 550 villages from across Indonesia have participated in this program, and by 2025, it involved 150 villages. The assessment was conducted through three stages: Recognition, Development, and Utilization, involving a multidisciplinary panel of judges.

"I congratulate the five villages receiving this year's Cultural Village Appreciation. These villages exemplify how culture can thrive and grow to become a driving force for village development. This is just the tip of the iceberg, as almost every village in Indonesia boasts a wealth of unique and distinct cultural expressions," said Minister of Culture Fadli Zon in his remarks at the 2025 Cultural Village Appreciation, as quoted from the ministry's official website.

He expressed hope that Indonesian villages will protect national culture, ensuring the nation's heritage remains vibrant and sustainable. The culture minister also says the central government will support cultural preservation in regions, including designating cultural heritage sites.

"Samosir Regency has extraordinary cultural richness. Of the 83 cultural heritage sites in the regency, we will encourage and expedite the designation of more as national-level sites," he emphasized.

Sabam Sinaga, a Commission X member of the Indonesian House of Representatives (DPR RI), appreciated the Cultural Village Appreciation program, which showcases the state's commitment to preserving culture. "This Cultural Village Appreciation event is a great achievement. As an Ministry of Culture partner, we fully support this program, which showcases the state's commitment to culture," he said.

The Samosir Regency Administration thanked the Ministry of Culture for selecting Samosir as the location for the national Cultural Village Appreciation event.

"We are honored and grateful that Samosir Regency has been chosen to host the Cultural Village Appreciation. This is a privilege that inspires us to preserve and develop our cultural heritage," said Samosir Regent Vandiko T. Gultom.

He emphasized the Samosir Regency Administration's commitment to supporting programs that advance culture through the development of cultural villages and the preservation of cultural heritage.

"Samosir Regency currently has around 83 cultural heritage sites at the regency level. We are committed to continuously curating and encouraging their development so that in the future, more can be designated as national cultural heritage sites, while also fostering the birth of more cultural villages," he added.

Through the Cultural Village Appreciation Award, the Ministry of Culture expressed its hopes that this award will inspire other villages to continue preserving and utilizing culture as a driver of community independence and well-being. ***