East Java's Sumenep deserves title of "keris capital of the world"

Jakarta (ANTARA) - Minister of Culture Fadli Zon stated during the inauguration of the Keris Aria Wiraraja Monument on Thursday (January 30) that Sumenep District, East Java, rightfully earns the title of the "keris capital of the world."

"Sumenep has established itself as a Keris City with a vibrant ecosystem, where more than 600 artisans are actively producing over two thousand keris each month, distributing them across the country and even abroad," Zon noted in a ministry's press release here on Friday.

The keris, a Javanese dagger, was recognized by UNESCO as a Masterpiece of Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity in 2005 and has been listed as a world intangible cultural heritage since 2008.

Minister Zon described the keris monument built in Sendang Village, Pragaan Sub-district, Sumenep District, as a symbol of pride, recognition, and the preservation of cultural heritage in Sumenep.

Standing 17 meters tall and adorned with 45 flower petals symbolizing the date of Indonesia's independence, the monument is named Aria Wiraraja, a notable historical figure from Madura during the Singosari Kingdom era.

The monument's design draws inspiration from the heirloom keris from the Sultan Abdurrahman era, symbolizing the strength and grandeur of Madura's cultural identity.

The Keris Aria Wiraraja Monument has been officially recognized by the Indonesian World Record Museum (MURI) as the tallest keris monument in Indonesia.

In addition to inaugurating the keris monument alongside Sumenep District Head Achmad Fauzi Wongsojudo, the minister also opened the Helmi Art Museum Foundation and the blacksmith workshop "Besalen Santoso Sera".

"This museum not only showcases a collection of keris with interesting displays and stories but also allows the public to observe the keris-making process at Besalen Santoso Sera," Zon noted.