On January 30th, Minister of Culture Fadli Zon marked a significant moment in Indonesia's cultural history with the inauguration of the Keris Aria Wiraraja Monument in Sumenep, East Java. In his speech, Zon proclaimed Sumenep as the rightful "keris capital of the world," highlighting the region's deep-rooted connection to the iconic Javanese dagger.

"Sumenep has long been the heart of keris production, with over 600 artisans crafting more than 2,000 keris each month, which are then distributed both nationally and internationally," Zon shared during the event, as reported by the Ministry's press release on Friday.

The keris, recognized by UNESCO as a Masterpiece of Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity in 2005, holds immense cultural significance for the Indonesian archipelago. It was officially listed as a world intangible cultural heritage in 2008, reflecting its vital role in Indonesian identity.

The newly unveiled Aria Wiraraja Monument stands tall at 17 meters in Sendang Village, Pragaan Sub-district, serving as a tribute to Madura’s cultural heritage. The monument's design incorporates elements from the Sultan Abdurrahman era’s heirloom keris, reflecting both strength and tradition. The 45 flower petals adorning the monument symbolize Indonesia's independence on August 17th, while the monument itself honors the historic figure Aria Wiraraja, a key figure during the Singosari Kingdom era.

Further cementing the significance of the event, the monument was officially recognized by the Indonesian World Record Museum (MURI) as the tallest keris monument in the country. "This monumental structure is not only a symbol of pride but also a reminder of our shared cultural identity," Minister Zon commented.

In a show of support for Sumenep's continued cultural preservation, Zon, along with Sumenep District Head Achmad Fauzi Wongsojudo, also inaugurated the Helmi Art Museum Foundation. The museum will house an impressive collection of keris, offering an educational experience on the history, craftsmanship, and significance of the weapon. Visitors will also have the chance to witness the traditional keris-making process at the nearby blacksmith workshop, "Besalen Santoso Sera."

Through these initiatives, Sumenep continues to stand at the forefront of cultural heritage preservation, ensuring that the art of keris crafting remains a celebrated and living tradition for generations to come.