CCN, Cilegon, May 29, 2025 — In response to the growing discovery of objects suspected to be cultural heritage in the Cilegon City area, the Cilegon City Cultural Council (DKKC) is urging a serious effort to re-document historical artifacts that hold significant value for the region’s identity and heritage.
Saiful Iskandar, Head of the Tangible Heritage Division at DKKC, stated that these recent findings present a major opportunity to enrich the existing list of recognized cultural heritage objects.
“This is not merely about preserving the physical form of historical items, but also about passing down cultural values to future generations,” he said.
Saiful added that re-documentation and reclassification are crucial foundations for the protection and sustainable use of cultural heritage objects — for education, research, and the development of local character.
“This effort must be supported by the active involvement of local government and the community, as the rightful stewards of cultural heritage,” he emphasized.
In the educational context, historical relics are not just inanimate artifacts, but contextual learning tools rich in national values, local wisdom, and the spirit of diversity. Early introduction to cultural heritage is believed to foster patriotism, regional pride, and awareness of the importance of preservation.
DKKC is also advocating for widespread public outreach through schools, universities, cultural communities, and local media, so that public understanding of historical values grows beyond mere knowledge into a grassroots preservation movement.
“Conservation is not solely the responsibility of experts or the government — it is a collective duty that begins with educational awareness,” he concluded.
Looking ahead, DKKC plans to initiate collaboration among academics, cultural practitioners, and local authorities to develop a publicly accessible digital database of Cilegon’s cultural heritage, as part of strengthening local historical literacy. (***)
