President Jokowi Names November 7 as National Wayang Day
Director General of Culture of Ministry of Education and Culture Hilmar Farid answers reportersquestions after meeting with President Jokowi, at the Merdeka Palace, Jakarta, Tuesday (11/12). (Photo by: Rahmat/Public Relations Division)
President Joko Jokowi Widodo, Tuesday (11/12), met with a number of artists and cultural observers at the Merdeka Palace, Jakarta, and approved the proposal to set November 7 as National Wayang (puppet) Day.
This is indeed a proposal that comes from the community. The letter was taken and signed directly by the President. So, now November 7 – the date of the stipulation of wayang as a world cultural heritage by UNESCO – was designated as National Wayang Day, Ministry of Education and Cultures Director General of Culture, Hilmar Farid, told reporters after the meeting.
Hilmar went on to say that there will certainly be a celebration following the stipulation of November 7 as National Wayang Day. One thing for sure, if all this time the puppets have no forum for further development, but now they have.
In addition to the stipulation of National Wayang Day, Farid added that the establishment of a trust fund for culture was also agreed.
Its in the form of a trust fund for cultural affairs. The numbers will be asked later, I dont dare to say that, Hilmar said, adding that the trust fund will start to be allocated in 2019 budget.
Such trust fund is expected to address funding issues in cultural field. Hilmar said, the budget allocated for the cultural field was very strict, for example, if we want to hold festivals or activities, it appears that it will get hampered with the existing administration.
So, it needs a far more flexible mechanism and the trust fund is considered appropriate, Hilmar concluded. (FID/RAH/ES)
Translated by: Muhardi
Edited by: Mia Medyana B.
