A Lesson from Trowulan
Minister of Culture & Tourism Jero Wacik finally halted the Majapahit Park project. Jero set up an evaluation team headed by archeologist Prof. Mundardjito. It’s a lesson from Trowulan to Minister Jero. The good intention to bring back memories of past glory could entail vandalism unless archeological principles are observed. It could also be branded an ivory-tower project. Follow the story behind this project. And check out Tempo’s report on another “historical project” being carried out by Jero Wacik along with the Indonesian Military and the Department of Public Works—the Soedirman Monument in Pacitan.
February 10, 2009
BAJANG Ratu. The name is so familiar to Jero Wacik. He remembers the time before he was appointed Minister of Culture & Tourism, when somebody whispered to him, “Go to Bajang Ratu, Pak. Say your prayers there.”
Sadly, Jero was too busy. He hadn’t had a chance to go yet when Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono asked him to join the cabinet. Only after serving as Minister for a while could Jero spare his time to fulfill the “call”.
Bajang Ratu is
...