Preserving and promoting Dong Nai's identity after the merger

From July 1, Binh Phuoc and Dong Nai provinces officially merged, opening a new phase in the process of arranging and reorganizing administrative units. Not only is it a change in geography and management, this event also raises the issue of preserving and promoting unique cultural values.

Master Tran Quang Toai, Chairman of Dong Nai Historical Science Association. Photo: M.Ny

Master TRAN QUANG TOAI, Chairman of Dong Nai Historical Science Association, shared about unique cultural features, values ​​that need to be preserved, and made specific proposals to build a "new Dong Nai" province that is both modern and preserves the identity of the merged lands.

Cultural identity - the core of sustainable development

* From the perspective of a historical and cultural researcher, can you share what are the biggest similarities between the two regions of Dong Nai - Binh Phuoc ?

- In terms of culture, Dong Nai - Binh Phuoc have many remarkable similarities. First of all, the residential community, as the two provinces are home to many ethnic minorities of Choro, Stieng... These are also two localities from the French colonial period, the French invested in developing large-scale rubber plantations. During the resistance war, ethnic minorities and the working class all participated in the revolution, making important contributions to the cause of national liberation.

In addition, the two provinces also share natural values ​​such as Cat Tien National Park, Dong Nai World Biosphere Reserve and Bu Gia Map. These factors are the foundation for linking, turning potential into advantages for sustainable development.

* In your opinion, what cultural values ​​of Binh Phuoc especially need to be preserved when merging with Dong Nai to form a larger administrative entity?

- When merging, it is important to expand the space to promote the geographical, economic and cultural potential of both provinces, but must avoid "dissolving" the identity of each region. Binh Phuoc currently has many cultural values ​​that are being preserved such as Soc Bom Bo, gong art... Building a cultural map, in terms of characteristics, ethnicity, both tangible and intangible culture, investing in culture will help attract people and tourists. And thus will contribute to promoting the cultural identity of Binh Phuoc in particular and Dong Nai in general.

* In history, there have been similar changes in administrative boundaries. What experiences from the past can be applied to the current period, especially in preserving and promoting the cultural values ​​of Dong Nai, sir?

- In each historical period, depending on the tasks and requirements, there are changes in administrative boundaries. For example, during the resistance war against France and the US, Bien Hoa province as well as Binh Phuoc were separated and merged many times... I think that is inevitable in history. The changes are to serve political tasks and promote the strengths of the merged units, including geopolitics, economics, security, national defense, and geoculture to jointly develop the "new Dong Nai".

* In your opinion, how should the concept of “New Dong Nai” be understood culturally? Should a new cultural identity be built on the basis of a synthesis of localities?

- Talking about “new cultural identity” is neither accurate nor correct. Merger is not a mechanical addition, but a connection, adding value to each other. The Central Government has calculated development in many areas, such as investing in the Ma Da bridge infrastructure connecting Binh Phuoc - Dong Nai without affecting the core area of ​​the World Biosphere Reserve. Or the similarities in culture, history, and ethnicity between the two provinces will create conditions for the new Dong Nai cultural identity to continue to be preserved and promoted, both diverse and profound.

Long Tong Festival of the Tay and Nung people (Thanh Son commune, Dinh Quan district) in 2025. Photo: Contributor

There is a satisfactory mechanism to preserve and promote cultural values.

* Sir, to ensure that no cultural area is blurred or loses its identity during the merger process, what specific solutions need to be implemented?

- Merging is expanding the area, this requires us to have a unified and synchronous mindset, have appropriate policies and mechanisms to invest in culture, and build coordination programs between the two localities. For example, the museum system can coordinate the exchange of artifacts, organize exhibitions that both attract tourists and are educational. Literary and artistic associations should connect and learn from each other. What works well in one locality should be applied to the other locality and vice versa to develop together in harmony.

* Looking to the future, how do you expect Dong Nai's cultural appearance to change in the near future?

- Resolution No. 12-NQ/TU of the Executive Committee of the Dong Nai Provincial Party Committee (term XI) in 2023 on building and promoting the cultural values ​​of Dong Nai people to become an important resource and driving force for comprehensive and sustainable development is still the guiding principle. Even in the context of the new province, this resolution still retains its value, promoting mechanisms and policies for cultural development, because culture is a common asset. The identity of Binh Phuoc and Dong Nai is now the asset of the new Dong Nai. The responsibility of the new Dong Nai is to preserve, conserve, promote, promote and disseminate. If we lack vision and a suitable mechanism in developing a worthy culture, we will make mistakes with our ancestors and future generations.

* Thank you!

My Ny (performed)

Source: https://baodongnai.com.vn/van-hoa/202506/gin-giu-phat-huy-ban-sac-cua-dong-nai-sau-sap-nhap-ff60e0e/