Jakarta – The government has officially designated October 17 as National Culture Day after a long process involving input from cultural figures, artists, and tradition practitioners. This designation aims to provide space for appreciating the role of culture in national development, while also strengthening recognition of Indonesia’s cultural diversity.
Head of the Presidential Communication Office (PCO), Hasan Nasbi, stated that this decision was made based on recommendations from cultural communities.
“Our communication with the Ministry of Culture confirmed that this was a recommendation from cultural figures, artists, and tradition practitioners, who felt it was important to establish a dedicated date as National Culture Day. This is to appreciate cultural actors, traditional artists, and practitioners—not just to remember them, but to ensure they have a rightful place in the ongoing development of our nation,” said Hasan.
Hasan also emphasized that October 17 was chosen for its strong historical significance. This date refers to the issuance of Government Regulation No. 66 of 1951, which officially established the Garuda Pancasila as Indonesia’s national emblem, along with the national motto, Bhinneka Tunggal Ika, symbolizing unity in diversity.
“According to the study submitted to the Ministry of Culture, this marks the pinnacle of recognition of our diversity as a plural nation, including our cultural diversity. This formed the basis for the date’s selection,” Hasan explained.
Hasan further warned the public not to be misled by provocative narratives that attempt to frame this decision as politically motivated.
“If people want to commemorate October 17 as National Culture Day, that’s fine. If others want to commemorate it as someone’s birthday, that’s also fine. We should start learning to avoid ‘forced associations’ and illogical conclusions,” he added.
This point was also reinforced by Indonesia’s Minister of Culture, Fadli Zon, who stated that the proposal to establish National Culture Day came from various community groups.
One of the strongest proposals originated from the community of artists and cultural practitioners in Yogyakarta, organized as the Garuda 9 Plus Team. This team compiled a 79-page study that became the government’s strong foundation for the decision.
According to Fadli Zon, one of the key arguments from the Garuda 9 Plus Team was that October 17 reflects the birth of the national motto Bhinneka Tunggal Ika, which today stands as one of Indonesia’s four national pillars alongside Pancasila, the Unitary State of the Republic of Indonesia (NKRI), and the 1945 Constitution.
“The most appropriate date is October 17, as it coincides with the birth of the Bhinneka Tunggal Ika motto, which has become one of our four national pillars,” Fadli explained.