Jakarta, Indonesia Sentinel — Indonesia Ministry of Culture is set to launch a revised national history book as part of the country’s 80th Independence Day celebrations in August 2025, aiming to present a more accurate, inclusive, and nationally rooted narrative of the country’s past.
Minister of Culture Fadli Zon said the updated historical account was urgently needed to reflect new research, contemporary historical methodologies, and Indonesia’s own national perspective moving away from outdated or colonial-era narratives.
“In today’s climate of transparency, we are committed to producing a historical narrative grounded in rigorous methodology, one that can help address the social fragmentation and political polarization threatening our national identity, particularly among the younger generation,” Fadli said in a statement, cited Thursday (August 7).
The book is being developed entirely by credentialed historians, according to Fadli. It is designed not just to inform, but to inspire reflection on the nation’s journey as it marks eight decades of independence.
“This is an effort to rekindle shared awareness, strengthen intergenerational ties, and reaffirm the founding ideals of our nation,” he added.
The project, currently in its final editing phase, involves 112 historians from 34 universities across Indonesia. The new edition marks the first major revision of the country’s national history book in 26 years.
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Director General of Cultural Heritage and Traditions, Restu Gunawan, confirmed that the revised volumes had undergone public consultations at four major universities including the University of Indonesia, Lambung Mangkurat University, Padang State University, and Makassar State University and are now being finalized for publication.
“This revised national history book will officially launch as part of the 80th Independence Day commemoration,” Restu said.
The comprehensive 10-volume series is not intended to cover every historical event but aims to spotlight key moments, updated with recent discoveries and fresh perspectives. One example is the inclusion of a 51,200-year-old cave painting discovered in Sulawesi, now considered one of the oldest known examples of figurative art.
Fadli emphasized that the writing process was open and transparent. “There is nothing hidden in this historical account. Our focus is to tell Indonesia’s story from an Indonesian perspective — not a colonial one,” he said.
The government hopes the new history book will serve as a tool for national reflection, cultural continuity, and the reinforcement of collective identity and purpose, particularly for future generations.
The official launch is scheduled for August 17, 2025, during Indonesia’s 80th Independence Day ceremony.
(Raidi/Agung)
