Indonesia's minister urges public to see keris beyond mysticism

Jakarta (ANTARA) - Culture Minister Fadli Zon urged Indonesians to view keris as cultural heritage and works of art rather than associating the traditional dagger mainly with mysticism.

“When discussing keris, people often ask whether it contains a spirit. That is why literacy is very important,” he said after opening the Nusantara Keris Exhibition at the TMII Pusaka Museum in Jakarta on Saturday.

He said public perceptions of keris have long been shaped by mystical narratives despite their strong historical, philosophical, artistic and cultural significance.

According to Fadli, broader understanding of keris should be promoted through education, literacy and digital outreach, especially among younger generations.

“We continue to strengthen literacy and narratives about keris because it is a noble cultural expression inherited from our ancestors,” he said.

The minister acknowledged that spiritual elements cannot be entirely separated from the history and craftsmanship of keris.

He said keris represent material culture with high artistic value, combining metal forging, carving traditions, philosophy and the long history of the Indonesian archipelago.

Fadli noted that keris culture developed not only on Java but also spread across Sumatra, Kalimantan, Sulawesi, Bali and Lombok, as well as neighboring countries.

“Keris has been recognized by UNESCO as an intangible cultural heritage. We want the public to better understand its cultural value,” he said.

Indonesia has observed National Keris Day every April 19 since the government officially designated it in 2025, marking the founding of the National Secretariat of Indonesian Keris (SNKI).

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