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Secretary of the Directorate General of Culture of the Ministry of Culture, Fitra Arda, speaks during an event to promote the Ngawuwuh tradition in Garut, West Java, on December 14, 2024. (ANTARA/ Putri Hanifa)

VOInews, Garut : The government has expressed great hopes for advancing culture in Indonesia with the establishment of the Ministry of Culture.

According to Fitra Arda, secretary of the Directorate General of Culture in the ministry, this move can strengthen the position of culture and create a tangible impact on society.

"Culture is a unifier of the nation, a driver of the economy, a diplomatic force, and a shaper of national identity," he said during an event promoting the "ngawuwuh" tradition in Garut, West Java, on Saturday.

"With this narrative, culture is expected to become a main pillar of national development," he added.

Arda emphasized the importance of connecting culture with sustainability issues.

Local traditions, such as ngawuwuh—drinking a hot spiced beverage made from ginger, coconut, brown sugar, and lemongrass—show how culture and nature are closely intertwined.

"The world is intensifying efforts to link culture with sustainable living, focusing on caring for the Earth and preserving traditions," he said. "This aligns perfectly with the ngawuwuh tradition, as the loss of natural resources would lead to the loss of culture."

More than just preserving traditions, Arda stressed the need for action to develop culture as a solution for future challenges.

He noted that culture should not only focus on ancient artifacts but also embrace the living, evolving future.

With this approach, the Ministry of Culture aims to strengthen Indonesian culture's narrative on both national and global levels.

Traditions like ngawuwuh are not just ancestral heritage but also serve as inspiration for building a more sustainable and harmonious world.

The spirit of ngawuwuh emphasizes that amidst the challenges of modernization, the values of friendship and togetherness remain essential for Indonesian society.

The Mulakeudeu indigenous community in Garut, West Java, preserves the ngawuwuh tradition through the annual Hajat Lembur Kampung Mulakeudeu event//Antara-VOI