Indonesian President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) inaugurated Keris (Kris, traditional Indonesian blade) Museum in Surakarta as part of efforts to preserve Indonesian culture.

"Keris is a highly valued cultural heritage with high philosophical values," the president said during his address in the museum on Wednesday.

According to Jokowi (Joko Widodo), currently, Indonesian youngsters are less interested in cultural crafts such as Keris.

He stated that Keris has already been listed as a cultural heritage by UNESCO in 2005.

Other than that, Jokowi stated that other countries leaders such as Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Russians Vladimir Putin have Keris collection from Indonesia and have already stated their interests towards the blade.

"The values and philosophies of Keris have attracted them," Jokowi added.

Even though people pursue national development, they should not forget their own traditional heritages.

"That is why we should preserve the national heritages such as Keris," he explained.

There are 409 Keris being exhibited as collection in Nusantara Keris Museum.

Jokowi also stated that he would entrust his possession to the museum.

"We should remember that museums and histories are our windows to the past in order to walk for the future in an optimistic manner. I hope this Keris Museum could be our form of respect towards cultural arts and as an inspirational source of values," president said.

The people could visit the museum, which is located at Sriwedari cultural site, Bhayangkara street no. 2, Surakarta, Central Java.

Source: ANTARA