MINISTER: MAJAPAHIT INFORMATION CENTER IMPORTANT

Tampaksiring, Bali, Feb 15 (ANTARA) - Tourism and Culture Minister Jero Wacik said development of the Majapahit Information Center (PIM) in Trowulan, East Java, which had caused a controversy was very important with regard to inheritance of Indonesia's national history.
"Probably because the name is shortened to PIM, people then think a mall will be built there. It is not like that. History has recorded two big civilizations ever existing in the country, namely the Sriwijaya and Majapahit Kingdoms. This is important to be inherited (to the people)," he said at Tampaksiring Temple on Sunday.
The minister was here to extend a set of traditional "gamelan" music equipment to the people of the village that had long been waited for it to promote their musical actitivity.
He said besides the PIM a Majapahit Garden would also be developed there based upon a modern concept and completed with newest information technology equipment such as an internet access system, an integrated and digitally operated display room and also a room of display made similar to the actual situation during the Majapahit era.
"So, it is hoped the younger generation would be more literate of advanced technology. Unless the technology is not made available there how would they come there and seek information about the greatness of Majapahit," he said.
The country's slogan of unity in diversity was born from Empu Tantular, a man of letters living during the Majapahit era, he said adding the implementation of the slogan now needed to be further realized.
The minister said that houses of prayer for five official religions in the country would also be built there. "We know inter-religous tolerance and harmony was very good at the time and this is also worth inheriting," he said.
He said it was known there was an area of 9x12 kilometer wide in Trowulan that was believed to keep archeological treasuries of the Majapahit era which was still complete including a land use system and a system of rice field water distribution as well as a speciman of city planning that showed the location of the central administration of the kingdom.
"They must all be unveiled for the interest of the nation. A lot remains kept under the ground. I am actively involved in the designing of the PIM masterplan," the minister said.
The project has been criticized because its development and location is considered damaging an important archeological site.
Several months ago it was reported that the planting of piles for the project had damaged the cultural heritage seriously.
Archeologists and cultural heritage observers had launched protests and had asked the government to review the project.
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