Spreading the “Virus” of Kesengsem Lasem

Agni’s outgoing and modest attitude influenced house owners, mostly citizens of Chinese descent, welcome them.

KOMPAS/DENTY PIAWAI NASTITIE

Agni Malagina

Lasem, located on the northern coast of Central Java, was formerly known as a neglected area with very few tourist arrivals. It was Agni Malagina, 41, who later induced public enthusiasm toward Lasem while initiating cultural heritage preservation.

On Thursday (27/5/2021), Agni along with personnel from the Education Culture, Research and Technology Ministry, Lasem Heritage Foundation, her community, academics and cultural heritage activists visited old buildings in Lasem district, Rembang regency, Central Java. Agni and her peers gathered data on historic structures, including houses, schools, Islamic boarding schools and shrines in preparation for Lasem’s designation as a national cultural heritage zone.