Learn from past wisdom to build future glory: VP

Tanah Datar, West Sumatra – wapresri.go.id.

“The past does not have to always be proud of, but it should be a lesson for us to create the glory of our own in the future,” said Vice President Jusuf Kalla when visiting the Pagaruyung Palace in Nagari Pagaruyung, District of Tanjung Emas, Tanah Datar, West Sumatra province on Tuesday (Sept. 6).

The Vice President added, Minang people, the local residents of West Sumatra, have certain qualities such as wisdom, openness, intelligence knowledge, and customs upon which they successfully built their glory in the past.

The Vice President then appreciated those who spontaneously participated in rebuilding the Pagaruyung Palace after it caught fire due to lightning in 2007.

“A historical heritage is the common property, owned by the community, not the government. I believe, our togetherness in rebuilding this palace after the tragedy will be a good example for the young generation that with unity we can create our glory,” said the Vice President who had before joined in makan bajamba —a typical Minang dining tradition by sitting together on the mat– together with traditional and religious leaders, as well as public figures of Minang community.

Previously, Tanah Datar regent Irdinansyah Tarmizi said that the Pagaruyung Palace is one of the cultural heritage which is attractive to many tourists.

“The local government of Tanah Datar has set its development priorities in tourism, in addition to improving the quality of human resources and agriculture,” he explained.

Pagaruyung Palace has experienced two fires, first it was burned by the Dutch in 1804 and it catched a fire on February 27, 2007.

The rebuilding of Pagaruyung Palace after a fire in 2007 was inaugurated with a traditional procession called Batagak Tonggak Tuo, meaning installing a foundation, which was attended by Vice President Jusuf Kalla on July 8, 2007. On October 30, 2013 the finished palace was made open for the public by President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono.

The redevelopment of the palace spent around 27 billion rupiahs and used up 800 cubic of surian and meranti wood for the pillars and walls, and 260 tons of fibers for the roof with a lightweight-steel-roof construction.