Culture Minister Fadly Zon: Indonesia’s Historical Records to be Updated

SEAToday.com, Bandung - Culture Minister Fadli Zon said that after a meeting with the Indonesian Society of Historians (MSI) in Bandung on Saturday, December 14, 2024, there will be a revision of Indonesia's historical records.

“Indonesia's historical records will be updated based on the results of studies by historians. We will soon write an updated version or revision of additions to our history book in the framework of 80 Years of Independent Indonesia,” Fadli said after the MSI National Conference at the University of Education Indonesia (UPI) Campus in Bandung, Saturday, December 14, 2024, as reported by Antara.

Fadli gave an example related to the revision, namely regarding prehistoric times, where based on the latest research, the history of civilization in the Indonesian region turned out to be older.

“There are new findings, for example the latest research in our prehistory such as the Leang-Leang Maros Cave, which was thought to be 5,000 years old, turns out to be 40,000-52,000 years ago, it must be added. If there is nothing new, we will continue,” he continued.

MSI Chairman Agus Mulyana explained that the revision of history in question is related to data and findings from the latest historical or archaeological research to provide positive energy to the nation, especially self-confidence.

“Sometimes we lack confidence in terms of history. In fact, according to the results of historical research, our prehistoric period is much longer, more backward than other countries that we know, for example Egypt, then countries in Europe, now that needs updating,” said Agus.

Agus, who is the Dean of UPI's Faculty of Social Science Education, said that the updating of historical records would also target the colonial period in the Indonesian region, including the length of time the Indonesian region was colonized.

“Not all regions are 350 years old, but the VOC or Dutch rule is in process. Aceh alone, this is an example, in the 1920s and even in the 1930s Aceh was not yet conquered, meaning it was not colonized. I think this also needs reinterpretation, that we are not a defeated nation,” he explained.

Agus said that the revision will also be carried out by targeting historical periodization, which currently has 10 volumes with historical periods until the reformation period.

“We hope there will be periodization. We will continue it until the current period of Prabowo's era. God willing, we are ready to be involved, because for MSI, writing history is an important momentum,” he said.

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