KBRN, Jakarta: The Ministry of Culture hosted the 2025 Indonesian Cultural Awards (AKI) on Wednesday, December 17, in Jakarta, recognizing the extraordinary dedication of artists and cultural figures who have advanced and preserved Indonesia’s rich heritage.

Minister of Culture Fadli Zon said the awards serve not only as state recognition but also as inspiration for future generations to continue safeguarding and developing the nation’s culture.

“AKI 2025 is designed in stages so that we can view culture holistically. Not just as individual achievements, but as a living ecosystem. This is the state’s presence in honoring maestros, innovators, preservers, and cultural figures across categories such as children, media, literature, and more,” Minister Fadli said during the ceremony at Ciputra Artpreneur, South Jakarta, as reported by Antara.

The third phase of AKI featured the theme “Renjana Penggerak Budaya” (“Passion Driving Culture”), underscoring that culture continues to thrive through the enduring passion of its practitioners.

This year, 38 cultural figures received awards across seven categories: traditional arts maestros, preservers, pioneers and innovators, media, children, indigenous communities, and literature.

The awards were determined through a rigorous process involving research, verification, and extensive discussions among cultural experts.

Award Recipients

Media: Rumah Sri Ksetra (Nopri Ismi, multimedia), Jaya Baya (K. Sudirman, S.H.), and JTV (Rina Prabawati, local television).

Children: Aliya Sakina Murdoko (painting), Adhyastha Swarna P.M. (puppetry and classical dance), and Janessa Shanne Putri (vocal arts and music).

Indigenous Communities: Baris Sitanggang (Samosir, North Sumatra), Sutomo (Probolinggo, East Java), Eko Warnoto (Pasuruan, East Java), Bambang Sutrisno (Bojonegoro, East Java), and Usif Namah Benu (South Central Timor, East Nusa Tenggara).

Literature: Godi Suwarna, Sutardji Calzoum Bachri, and D. Zawawi Imron.

Pioneers and Innovators: Muhammad Ridwan Alimuddin (maritime cultural documentation) and Yusri Saleh (creator of the Ratoh Jaroe dance).

Preservation: Ika Arista (traditional keris knowledge), Yohana (Dayak Mualang kebat weaving), and Iswati Fersida (keroncong music).

Traditional Arts Maestros: Tobani Rinyo Tiku (bark cloth crafts) and Siti Rahela (traditional dance).

The Ministry also presented the Satya Budaya Narendra Award, a special honor for senior cultural figures whose contributions have had a broad impact. Recipients included Jaya Suprana, Pieter F. Gontha, I Nyoman Wenten, Elvy Sukaesih, Sunaryo Soetono, Ary Ginanjar, and Anhar Gonggong.

Ahmad Mahendra, Director General of Cultural Development, Utilization, and Fostering, emphasized that AKI 2025 is a momentum for preserving culture.

“AKI reminds us that the strength of this nation lies not only in what we build, but in the values we nurture together. Amid today’s challenges, culture provides direction, resilience, and hope,” he said.

AKI 2025 was implemented in three stages. The first phase, held on August 25, honored 14 cultural practitioners with Presidential Medals. 

The second phase, on October 21, coincided with the ministry’s one-year anniversary and recognized museums, cultural parks, the TMII Pavilion, individual and foreign institutions, as well as regional administrations.

The awards underscore the importance of recognizing those who preserve and advance Indonesian culture, to inspire more people to create, innovate, and sustain the nation’s cultural wealth. ***