Rano Opens Opportunities for Jakarta-Pasaman Cultural Tourism Cooperation

As part of his working visit, Jakarta Vice Governor Rano Karno joined the Makan Bajamba communal dining tradition at the Rumah Tuo Leluhur Adat in Bonjol, Pasaman, West Sumatra.

We must keep pushing these efforts through collective collaboration

He underscored the need to maintain and promote traditional heritage to bolster regional identity and tourism.

"Adat and culture must be kept alive so that future generations don't just hear about them in stories. They need to directly feel their significance," he expressed, Wednesday (4/15).

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He added that Bonjol has great potential as a cultural tourism site, supported by its natural beauty, history, and its connection to National Hero Tuanku Imam Bonjol.

He hopes Bonjol and Pasaman will become major cultural hubs rather than just places people pass through. To make this a reality, he emphasized that government and stakeholder collaboration is essential to bring real benefits to the locals.

"We must keep pushing these efforts through collective collaboration. I have consulted with the Regent of Pasaman about the steps we can work on together," he explained.

Rano also voiced his gratitude for the land donated by the Tanjuang Clan for the upcoming Soekarno M. Noer Cultural House. He envisions this cultural center as a place for learning and a platform for youth to keep local arts and culture alive.

Closing his speech, he highlighted that the Makan Bajamba procession carries a message of unity, equality, and fraternity that remains vital for society.

"Adat Makan Bajamba teaches us the spirit of togetherness: sitting in a circle with no partitions, practicing mutual respect, and fostering brotherhood irrespective of status. This is the legacy we must protect and promote together," he added.

Notably, Rano also paid a working visit to the Tuanku Imam Bonjol Museum in Pasaman on the same day.

During the visit, he underscored the educational tourism potential of the Bonjol Equator Area, particularly the planetarium that is integrated with the Equator Monument.