Artists Awarded For Tireless Work To Promote Nation`s Culture

Jakarta - Culture and Tourism Minister Jero Wacik recognized 36 Indonesians from across the archipelago on Friday for their continued efforts in preserving and promoting the country`s culture.

The group was presented with a “cultural award,” while 11 of the 36 recipients were also bestowed the title of “maestros of culture” by the minister for their tireless work.

“The country is deeply indebted to the artists who pass their knowledge, rooted in the glorious culture of the Indonesian nation, to the younger generation to save it from extinction,” Jero said.

More than 90 percent of the award recipients have been working for more than three decades to promote and preserve a wide range of cultural activities, such as oral tradition, opera, theatre, folk dance and puppetry.

“I am deeply touched by their continued efforts, and the fact they have not asked for money for their work,” Jero said. “I think money could never buy what they have done for our country and I want them to continue their efforts in preserving our culture.”

The ministry has been presenting the cultural awards since 2007, and so far 35 artists have been declared cultural maestros.

“Sometimes I feel ashamed as this country has not yet been able to give great appreciation to these artists,” Jero said.

One of the maestros, Bernard Ginupit, has been preserving and promoting North Sulawesi music for more than 40 years. He said that he felt honored to have the government recognize his work.

“I am content and touched, as my works are now appreciated,” he said. “I hope this country will always appreciate traditional artists and their works.”

Jero also expressed his joy that the recipients helped to promote the proper use of the Indonesian language.

“This is the legacy of the Declaration of Independence of Indonesia,” he said. “And it shows that our unity as a nation will never die.”

Bringing culture to the youth was one of the best ways to preserve and promote the country`s culture, Jero said, and even the smallest gesture counted. “The simplest way is by wearing batik to many occasions,” he said. Nurfika Osman

Source: http://thejakartaglobe.com (26 June 2009)
Photo: http://riaudailyphoto.blogspot.com

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