CCN, CILEGON – A proud moment has arrived for the City of Cilegon. Sate Bebek Khas Cibeber (Cibeber’s Signature Duck Satay) has been officially designated as one of Indonesia’s Intangible Cultural Heritage (WBTB) by the Ministry of Culture of the Republic of Indonesia (Kemenbud RI) during the official deliberation held at Sutasoma Hotel, South Jakarta.
This milestone marks a tangible commitment from the Cilegon City Government, particularly through the Department of Education and Culture (Dindikbud), to preserve local culinary treasures that have become an essential part of the community’s cultural identity.
The Head of the Cilegon Department of Education and Culture, Heni Anita Susila, stated that Sate Bebek Cibeber is a distinctive culinary heritage deserving recognition as a cultural identity of Cilegon. She welcomed the designation with great enthusiasm, emphasizing that this acknowledgment is the result of collaborative efforts involving culinary practitioners, cultural observers, and heritage preservation institutions.
“We are very proud that Cibeber’s Signature Duck Satay has now been recognized as Indonesia’s Intangible Cultural Heritage. This recognition is not only for the cuisine itself but also for the cultural values, traditions, and local wisdom that continue to be upheld by the people of Cilegon,” she said on Tuesday, October 14, 2025.
“Dindikbud Cilegon remains committed to promoting the preservation of traditional culinary arts through documentation, culinary festivals, and capacity building for local entrepreneurs so that these cultural values will not fade with time,” she added.
Cibeber’s Duck Satay is renowned for its rich and distinctive flavor, created through a blend of strong spices and traditional cooking methods that maintain its authentic taste. The dish has long been part of the culinary identity of the Cilegon community, especially in the Cibeber area.
Meanwhile, the Chairman of the Cilegon Cultural Council, Ayatullah Khumaeni, viewed this recognition as a significant moment for the people of Cilegon to take greater pride in their local cultural heritage.
“We see this designation not merely as a culinary acknowledgment but also as recognition of the social and historical values of the Cibeber community. The duck satay represents how culture lives and grows within everyday life,” he said.
“The Cultural Council will continue to encourage that traditional cuisines like duck satay are not only preserved but also developed as an economic and cultural tourism attraction for Cilegon,” he continued.
The Cilegon Cultural Council also invites the public to actively participate in cultural preservation by continuing to appreciate and promote local cuisine.
The recognition of Cibeber’s Signature Duck Satay as an Intangible Cultural Heritage is expected to be a stepping stone toward strengthening regional cultural identity while opening opportunities to promote Cilegon’s culinary tourism on a national scale. (***)
