Jakarta – The Indonesian Minister of Defense, Prabowo Subianto, praised the exceptional ideas and initiative of the former Head of the National Intelligence Agency (BIN), General (Ret.) AM Hendropriyono, who commemorated his birthday by inaugurating a replica of the once majestic Majapahit Palace, originally located in East Java from 1292 to 1526 AD.

“This is an extraordinary initiative and idea from Mr. Hendropriyono,” said Prabowo during the opening ceremony of the Majapahit Palace replica in Jakarta, located in the Cipayung area, on Tuesday (May 7).

Prabowo added that the occasion was made even more special as it coincided with Hendropriyono’s birthday. “Coincidentally, today is also Mr. Hendro’s birthday, and physically, it seems Mr. Hendro will still be around for a long time,” said Prabowo, which was met with laughter from the attendees.

Prabowo described the construction of the Majapahit Palace replica as part of an effort to preserve the culture and heritage of the homeland. “This is incredible, something to be proud of. If not us, then who else will respect and appreciate our own culture? No one else will respect it if we do not respect it ourselves,” Prabowo stated.

“And this is now our way of continually preserving and honoring our culture. So, I am truly impressed. My congratulations, it’s remarkable,” he added.

On the same occasion, Prabowo also signed a plaque for the Majapahit Palace that reads, “This replica of the Majapahit Palace in Jakarta represents a Wave of National Resurgence in the field of Culture to Build a Sovereign National Identity in Politics and Independence in the National Economy.”

Additionally, Prabowo received a souvenir, a statue of Prince Diponegoro from Hendropriyono. “It seems he is a fan of Prince Diponegoro. So, I made him a statue of Prince Diponegoro,” Hendro revealed in his speech.

The replica of the Majapahit Palace was built as a small-scale version of the original, including various facilities such as the Madakaripura Garden, Maharaja Hayam Wuruk Hall, Mahapatih Gajah Mada Hall, and the Wilwatikta Main Square.

The inauguration event was attended by numerous retired TNI generals and officials, including General (Ret.) Try Sutrisno; General (Ret.) Wiranto; General (Ret.) Agum Gumelar; the Speaker of the People’s Consultative Assembly (MPR) Bambang Susatyo; the Coordinating Minister for Human Development and Cultural Affairs Muhadjir Effendy; the Minister of Trade Zulkifli Hasan; the Minister of Communication and Information Budi Arie, the Chief of National Police General Pol Listyo Sigit P.; the Head of Presidential Staff Office General (Ret.) Moeldoko; and the Chairman of LVRI Lieutenant General (Ret.) HBL Mantiri.