Writing History Deletes The Term "Old Order", Puan: Don't Let Anything Disappear

JAKARTA - DPR Speaker Puan Maharani responded to the question of rewriting Indonesian history which would remove the term "old order". Puan assessed that whatever the updated sentence in the new book, should not let any historical events be eliminated.

"Yes, whatever the sentence, whatever happens, don't let anyone get hurt, don't let anything be eliminated because history remains history. So it must be studied properly and carried out carefully," said Puan, Tuesday, May 27.

Puan emphasized that the rewriting of national history must be done carefully, transparently and in no hurry.

"And don't then erase the existing history even though it's bitter but must be conveyed transparently," said Puan.

Quoting the statement of the first President and proclaimer of the Republic of Indonesia, Sukarno, Puan reminded this nation never to forget history.

"So JASMERAH, never forget history," said Bung Karno's grandson.

"If you really want to fix it, go ahead, but the name is history, whether it's bitter or good, if it has to be repeated, it will be repeated as well as possible," said Puan reminded.

Puan emphasized that the rewriting of Indonesia's history must really ask for input from all parties and elements of society.

"Don't rush it, but later violate the rules and mechanisms," he said.

Previously, the Minister of Culture (Menbud) Fadli Zon revealed the reasons for not having the term Old Order (Orla) in 10 volumes of Indonesian history rewriting books that were being worked on. The reason, said Fadli, was that so far the government before the New Order (Orba) had never said it as the Old Order.

"So actually it was the historians who made it, yes, if we look at the terms the Old Order, the Old Order government, never called itself the Old Order, if the New Order did call it the New Order," said Fadli.

According to Fadli, the change in term was made so that the perspective used in the new history was more neutral and inclusive.

In a meeting with Commission X of the DPR, Fadli also revealed six factors that made Indonesia's historical rewriting must be done. The first is to remove colonial bias and emphasize the perspective of Indonesia-centric.

Second, Indonesia's history will be rewritten to answer the latest challenges. Third, to form a strong national identity. Fourth, affirming the autonomy of history, autonomous history. Fifth, relevance for the younger generation.

"And (sixth), reinventing Indonesian identity (rediscovering Indonesia's identity)," said Fadli.