By: Juana Syahril*
The rewriting of Indonesia’s National History is being conducted transparently and involves numerous historical experts from various institutions. This major effort is now entering the finalization stage and is scheduled to be launched in mid-December. The project is one of the country’s largest cultural undertakings in recent years and has attracted public attention because it encompasses updating the historical narrative from the early days of the Indonesian archipelago to the contemporary era.
The government’s commitment to transparency was directly emphasized by the Indonesian Minister of Culture, Fadli Zon, who stated that the rewriting of national history was carried out entirely by a team of historians without government intervention. Even at the final stage, he stated that he had not yet seen the final document because the entire process was carried out independently by experts. This stance is an important symbol of the government’s commitment to distancing the project from political interests and ensuring that the published history is truly research-based and accountable.
The finalization process is currently being carried out by the general editor after undergoing a series of edits at the volume and language levels. Various external historians were also involved as independent reviewers to add depth to the perspectives and ensure that the final product met high academic standards. This multi-stakeholder involvement demonstrates the government’s wide openness for corrections and input, ensuring the public can be assured that the history books to be published are the result of meticulous scholarly work.
The launch of the rewritten national history book has undergone several schedule changes. Initially planned for August 17th, there were discussions about moving it to October or to coincide with Heroes’ Day on November 10th. However, after considering the most appropriate timing, the government set December 14th as the official launch date, as it coincides with National History Day. This decision was not simply a schedule adjustment, but rather an affirmation that history must be presented at the right moment and with meaning.
Fadli Zon explained that the project to rewrite national history encompasses ten major themes spanning the early days of the Indonesian archipelago, interactions with various global civilizations, the colonial period, the struggle for independence, and the political journey from the New Order to the Reformation. All of these themes are structured into structured volumes so readers can follow the historical flow in a coherent and comprehensive manner. Historians then developed this thematic framework into a more comprehensive, research-oriented narrative.
Each theme presents its own challenges, especially when touching on sensitive historical periods. However, the government ensured that transparency was a key principle. The drafting team was given full freedom to review various archives, documents, and academic references to produce a more accurate narrative. This step was deemed crucial to presenting a history that could serve as a primary reference for national education and provide reflection for the public seeking a more objective understanding of the nation’s dynamics.
Support for the principle of objectivity also came from state institutions. Constitutional Justice Arief Hidayat stated that history should not be written from the perspective of power. He urged that history be compiled free from political interests and directed entirely toward factual truth. This view reinforced the message that history writing is an intellectual endeavor that must be free from bias, so that it can benefit future generations. This stance served as a moral reinforcement that the project of rewriting national history was on the right track.
During the drafting process, public scrutiny was inevitable, especially since some of the rewritten narratives touched on dark events in Indonesian history, including gross human rights violations and the political dynamics of the New Order era. The government views this public attention as positive, as it demonstrates a growing public interest in their nation’s history. Transparency in compilation is both a response to public concerns and a tool to ensure that published histories do not obscure any aspect of historical reality.
The official release of the latest version of the national history book, scheduled for December 2025, is expected to be a major event at the end of the year. This launch not only marks the completion of a major state project but is also expected to provide new momentum for strengthening historical literacy in Indonesia. The public is invited to assess, critique, and provide feedback.feedback after the launch, a move that demonstrates the government’s openness to dialogue and evaluation.
When this new history book is made available to the public, the public will gain a more comprehensive and modern picture of national history. The government hopes this update will enrich the collective understanding of the nation’s journey, from its early cultural roots to contemporary challenges. This effort is also expected to strengthen national identity through an honest, balanced understanding of history, based on sound scientific principles.
By ensuring that the rewriting of Indonesian National History is carried out transparently, the government aims to emphasize that history is not a tool for short-term gain, but a vital foundation for building the nation’s future. This rewriting is proof that the state is present to correct, update, and enrich the narrative of Indonesia’s journey for future generations.
)* The author is a Bogor student living in Jakarta