Puan Asks For An Explanation From The Ministry Of Education And Culture Regarding The Determination Of National Cultural Day October 17

Chairman of the Indonesian House of Representatives, Puan Maharani, asked the Ministry of Culture (Kemenbud) to provide an open explanation regarding the determination of National Cultural Day on October 17.

He assessed that transparency is needed so that the decision does not trigger polemics, especially because it coincides with President Prabowo Subianto's birthday.

"We will ask the Ministry of Culture or Minister of Culture through Commission X to explain and explain what the basis and argument is regarding this," said Puan at the Parliament Complex, Tuesday, July 15.

According to Puan, culture is part of the nation's identity which is cross-generational and universal. Therefore, she emphasized the importance of openness from the Minister of Culture Fadli Zon so that the decision does not seem exclusive.

"Government belongs to all people, across generations, across ages, and should not be inclusive or exclusive," he said.

Puan reminded that every public policy, especially regarding culture, must be based on a strong foothold so as not to cause unnecessary controversy.

"Don't cause polemics. Culture belongs to all the people. The arguments must be explained properly," said the former Coordinating Minister for Human Development and Culture.

He also considered that cultural values in Indonesian society were cross-time and across generations, so that considerations for establishing Cultural Day must involve a comprehensive view.

"I ask to explain the basis and arguments well so as not to cause a sustainable polemic," said Puan.

Previously, the determination of National Cultural Day on October 17 was regulated in the Decree of the Minister of Culture Number 162/M/2025 which was signed by the Minister of Culture Fadli Zon on July 7, 2025. In his statement, Fadli stated that the election date refers to the event of setting the symbol of the state of Garuda Pancasila and the motto of Bhinneka Tunggal Ika by President Soekarno through PP Number 66 of 1951.