Clarification About KH. Hasyim Asy'ari, Nadiem Makarim: I Have No Intend To Eliminate Traces Of History

JAKARTA - The Minister of Education and Culture (Mendikbud) has clarified that the name of the founder of Nahdlatul Ulama (NU), Hasyim Asy'ari, in the Dictionary of Indonesian History Volume I continues to reap protests.

Nadiem admitted that he never intended to erase any traces of history by not including Hasyim Asy'ari's entry. According to him, the Indonesian History Dictionary Volume I was compiled in 2017, before he became a minister.

"To the people of Indonesia, I want to ensure that there is no intention of eliminating historical traces at all," said Nadiem through a video broadcast on his personal Instagram account, Wednesday, April 21.

Nadiem emphasized that he had ordered his staff at the Ministry of Education and Culture to perfect the preparation of the dictionary.

"I have ordered the Kemendikbud team to make improvements to the dictionary, which was interrupted, to be followed up with more technical accuracy and more accommodating input from various stakeholders, including NU," said Nadiem.

Nadiem ensured that the team in his ministry would continue to respect the historical values and struggles of national figures, including Hasyim Asyari and his successors.

"Mbah Hasyim, is a kyai, teacher and role model who has made a long history in developing education and culture in Indonesia. The Indonesian people also have the right to know the figures who contributed in establishing and building the country," he said.

This, he said, was also proven by the Ministry of Education and Culture by establishing the Hasyim Asy'ariari Islamic museum in Jombang, as well as publishing a book at the same time commemorating 100 years of national awakening.

"I ask for the blessing of a historical dictionary that has never been owned by this country, we can continue together so that later it can provide benefits for all," said Nadiem.

Nadiem added that the Ministry of Education and Culture has always put forward a commitment to respect for historical values and the struggles of national figures, including KH Hasyim Asy'ari, who has made a long history of education and culture. As well as an NU figure who is one of the largest Islamic organizations in Indonesia.

"Learning from history is always important for the progress of the nation," said Nadiem.