Jakarta — The Government of the Republic of Indonesia has officially designated October 17 as National Culture Day (Hari Kebudayaan Nasional, HKN), marking a monumental step in strengthening the nation’s identity, deeply rooted in its rich cultural heritage. The decision was announced by Minister of Culture Fadli Zon as a tribute to the role of culture in the nation’s journey and as part of ongoing efforts to preserve the noble values of the archipelago amid the strong currents of globalization.
This designation is not merely an annual ceremonial event but a strategic milestone to reinforce the nation’s philosophy of life, reflected in the motto “Bhinneka Tunggal Ika” (Unity in Diversity). The choice of October 17 is deliberate—it commemorates the issuance of Government Regulation No. 66 of 1951, which officially established the Garuda Pancasila as the national emblem and “Bhinneka Tunggal Ika” as the national motto.
“‘Bhinneka Tunggal Ika’ is not just a motto; it represents cultural wealth, tolerance, and unity in diversity. National Culture Day serves as a moment to reaffirm these values in national life,” said Fadli Zon.
The idea of establishing National Culture Day was born from the collective thought of cultural figures, particularly those based in the Special Region of Yogyakarta. Since early 2025, artists and cultural practitioners grouped under the Garuda Sembilan Plus Team have conducted intensive studies, involving academics and artists from various traditional and contemporary backgrounds.
Yogyakarta’s ketoprak maestro, Nano Asmorodono, was one of the key initiators behind the establishment of HKN. He explained that his team referred to the historical momentum of the national emblem’s establishment as a strong philosophical and symbolic foundation. Along the way, the study was further strengthened through various discussion forums and focus group discussions (FGDs) involving art studios and students from 37 provinces across Indonesia.
“This was not a sudden decision. We explored historical values, conducted cross-cultural dialogues, and submitted the results to the Ministry of Culture last January,” Nano said.
According to Nano, Indonesia’s cultural diversity is not only reflected in linguistic differences across regions but also in value systems, customs, and artistic expressions developed across thousands of islands stretching from Sabang to Merauke. The establishment of National Culture Day is both an acknowledgment of that diversity and a form of strengthening national unity.
Hasan Nasbi, Head of the Presidential Communication Office (PCO), emphasized that the government’s decision stemmed from the aspirations of cultural practitioners—not merely a symbolic move or superficial gesture. He stated that the government had received strong input from artists and cultural figures regarding the importance of having a dedicated day to appreciate and provide space for culture in national development.
“The designation of October 17 is the result of communication with artists and cultural practitioners. The goal is to ensure that culture is not only remembered but also given real space in development,” Hasan explained.
Furthermore, Hasan added that this decision sends an important message: Indonesia’s future development must not be based solely on economic growth and infrastructure expansion but also on cultural values that strengthen the nation’s character.
With this establishment, the government hopes that National Culture Day will serve as both a reflective and affirmative moment for all elements of the nation to place culture as a fundamental foundation in building a future Indonesia that is distinctive, sovereign, and globally competitive.