Senator Agita Calls on Youth to Keep Indonesia's Cultural Heritage Alive

07 July 2026 oleh admin

Bandung, dpd.go.id — Agita Nurfianti, a member of Committee III of the House of Regional Representatives of the Republic of Indonesia (DPD RI) representing West Java, called on all segments of society to make cultural preservation a shared movement beginning within families, schools, communities, and digital spaces on Monday (July 6, 2026). She stressed that culture should not exist only through festivals or artistic performances, but must become an integral part of everyday life as the nation's identity.

Agita delivered the message while attending the "Ciparay Medar Budaya II" Cultural Performance and Discussion, themed "Regional Culture as the Nation's Identity: Together with DPD RI Preserving Indonesia's Cultural Heritage," held in Ciparay District, Bandung Regency, on Sunday (July 5).

She opened her remarks by expressing appreciation to the Ciparay District Government, event organizers, cultural figures, artists, cultural communities, community leaders, and all parties who remain committed to safeguarding Sundanese cultural heritage amid the rapid pace of globalization.

According to Agita, events such as Ciparay Medar Budaya demonstrate that the public continues to show strong commitment to preserving culture as an essential part of Indonesia's national identity.

"When we talk about culture, we are essentially talking about our identity—who we are, where we come from, and the values we want to pass on to future generations," Agita said.

She noted that Indonesia is one of the world's richest nations in terms of cultural diversity. Its ethnic groups, regional languages, customs, arts, and traditions constitute invaluable social capital that must be preserved as a source of national strength.

Among these cultural treasures, West Java holds a particularly strategic position as the birthplace of many living cultural traditions, including angklung, calung, wayang golek (wooden puppet theater), jaipongan dance, pencak silat, karinding, traditional children's games, and customary practices reflecting Sundanese values such as silih asih (mutual compassion), silih asah (mutual learning), and silih asuh (mutual care).

Agita emphasized that Bandung Regency, including Ciparay District, plays a vital role in preserving these traditions through artists, cultural practitioners, and creative communities that continue to nurture cultural regeneration and preservation. However, she warned that the digital era presents new challenges. Easy access to global culture, she said, should not distance younger generations from their own local heritage.

"We must not allow our children to know more about foreign cultures than their own. Technological advancement is inevitable, but it must not cause us to lose our roots. A great nation is one that can preserve its culture while embracing the progress of the times," she stressed.

For that reason, Agita underscored that cultural preservation requires a comprehensive approach. Parents should introduce cultural values from an early age, educational institutions should foster appreciation for local traditions, academics should continue developing cultural studies, and young people should leverage digital media to showcase Indonesia's cultural heritage to the world. As a senator representing West Java, Agita reaffirmed her commitment to advocating for the aspirations of local communities, including artists and cultural practitioners, through national policymaking.

She said DPD RI will continue promoting policies that support cultural preservation, strengthen cultural communities, protect cultural heritage, empower artists, and improve the welfare of cultural workers.

"Preserving culture is not merely about protecting the past—it is about building the nation's future. Culture is the foundation of our national character and an invaluable social asset for meeting future challenges," she said.

Beyond its historical and social significance, Agita also described culture as a driver of regional economic growth. When integrated with creativity, education, and tourism, she said, culture can generate employment opportunities, improve community welfare, and reinforce regional identity.

In her view, Ciparay Medar Budaya serves not only as a cultural performance but also as a platform for education, cultural regeneration, community engagement, and strengthening public appreciation for Indonesia's cultural heritage.

She specifically encouraged young people to become the leading force in cultural preservation by using social media to creatively promote traditional arts, regional languages, local cuisine, traditional games, and Indonesia's diverse cultural heritage.

"Local culture is every bit as fascinating as any other. What we need is creativity in introducing it to the world. Let us prove that culture is not outdated—it is something we can be proud of and a defining part of our identity as Indonesians," she said.

Representing the Head of Ciparay District, District Secretary Suryana expressed appreciation to the organizing committee, cultural activists, and DPD RI for supporting the successful organization of Ciparay Medar Budaya II.

He said that amid rapid modernization, Indonesians should be even more motivated to preserve their own cultural heritage, particularly the rich traditions of the Sundanese people.

"On behalf of the Ciparay District Government, we fully support every effort to preserve our culture. We hope this event strengthens friendship, solidarity, and cooperation within the community while nurturing a new generation capable of promoting Ciparay's cultural heritage at the regency, provincial, and even national levels," Suryana said.

Concluding her remarks, Agita expressed hope that the spirit generated by Ciparay Medar Budaya II would grow beyond the event itself into a collective movement to preserve Sundanese cultural heritage while strengthening national unity.

"As long as our regional cultures remain alive, Indonesia will stand strong with its unique identity. Let us preserve our diversity as a source of strength, making culture a bond of unity, a source of inspiration, and a foundation for building an advanced, sovereign Indonesia firmly rooted in the noble values of the archipelago," Agita concluded.