PRIME NEWS POST
The INDONESIAN, (NORTH SULAWESI) – Iftiqar S.A. Ponto, a historian from North Sulawesi, has urged the government to streamline administrative procedures for designating National Cultural Heritage Sites, so that preservation efforts are not hindered by burdensome requirements—especially for sites that are hundreds to thousands of years old.
According to Iftiqar, cultural heritage sites represent tangible cultural legacy with profound significance for history, science, education, religion, culture, and the formation of national identity. As such, their protection must be guaranteed by the State through an effective, accessible system that prioritizes preservation.
Under Law No. 11 of 2010 on Cultural Heritage, preservation serves two core functions: safeguarding sites through protection, development, and maintenance; and enabling their responsible use for education, research, religious practice, cultural advancement, and tourism.
However, Iftiqar noted that several administrative requirements remain in need of review. One key concern is the mandate to submit land ownership certificates or landowner consent as part of the designation process.
“The government must provide solutions for cases where historical sites lie on land with unclear ownership status or where formal administrative approval cannot be secured. We must not allow the nation’s historical heritage to be left unpreserved due to bureaucratic obstacles,” Iftiqar stated.
He also proposed simplifying data collection mechanisms within the designation process. He emphasized that early consensus should be established on acceptable data sources—whether primary or secondary.
This flexibility is critical, he explained, given that many ancient sites no longer retain complete primary evidence due to their age. Secondary data that is academically sound and verifiable should therefore be accorded proper recognition in official assessments.
“Sites of immense historical value should not be denied heritage status simply because primary records are no longer available—a natural consequence of the passage of time,” he added.
Iftiqar S.A. Ponto is widely active in historical preservation efforts across North Sulawesi, including compiling research data and participating in meetings of the Cultural Heritage Expert Team (TACB) in North Bolaang Mongondow Regency. His work forms part of broader efforts to secure protection for sites central to Indonesia’s cultural identity and historical journey.
By streamlining regulations without compromising due diligence or scientific rigor, it is hoped that more historical sites across the country will attain National Cultural Heritage status—ensuring legal protection and preservation for future generations.
Reported from various media sources //photo from Google documents // contribution by Prime News Post international online media // news.paper
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