“The world has admitted the existence of Indonesian keris and gives international appreciation. That encourages us to collect hundreds of inherited keris,” said Pande Wayan Suteja, the founder and manager of Neka Museum at Artist Village Ubud, Gianyar. The Museum, established 27 years ago, has added 272 collection, after the strict selection done by experts and Indonesian keris preserver – Ir. Haryono Haryoguritno and Sukoyo Hadi Nagoro (armorer and keris expert),  besides 312 paintings and sculptures. Some countries such as Singapore, Brunei Darussalam, and the Philippines has struggled to achieve world acknowledgement but until now they are not successful yet.

The tradition to use keris as a weapon, hereditary equipment and ritual equipment has become a culture in Indonesian life, especially the Hindus in Bali. The keris at the museum are collected because of their beauty and art not hereditary.

Suteja Neka is the heir of a weapon maker, especially supernatural keris. His ancestor, Pande Pan Nedeng, was a keris armorer from Peliatan-Ubud Kingdom when King Peliatan III, Ida Dewa Agung Djelantik led the kingdom in 19th century (1823-1845). His Father, Pande Wayan Neka (1917-1980) was famous as a sculptor with his unique and qualified masterpiece, such as a 3 meter garuda sculpture for New York World Fair, USA (1964).

Suteja Neka hoped that Neka Museum could preserve and develop keris as a masterpiece as it was acknowledged in the world. (Ant/OL-01)

Source:

www.mediaindonesia.com/read/2009/05/05/73879/90/14/UNESCO-Kukuhkan-Keris-Indonesia-Sebagai-Warisan-Dunia
as published in www.indonesia.go.id
11 May 2009

Biro Naskah dan Penerjemahan,
Deputi Mensesneg Bidang Dukungan Kebijakan,
Sekretariat Negara RI