Palace: Determination Of National Cultural Day Based On Studies, Not Compatible
JAKARTA - The determination of the National Cultural Day (HKN) on October 17 triggered the public spotlight because it coincided with President Prabowo Subianto's date of birth.
Responding to this, Hasan Nasbi, Head of the Presidential Communication Office (PCO), emphasized that the determination of the date had nothing to do with Prabowo. The government, Hasan said, did not use a "matched" approach in determining national days.
"The date was determined based on a historical study, not because of anyone's birthday," Hasan said in his statement, Thursday, July 17.
According to Hasan, October 17, he was chosen because he referred to Government Regulation Number 66 of 1951 concerning the State Emblem, which was ratified on the same date. At that time, the motto Bhinneka Tunggal Ika was officially included in the national symbol of Garuda Pancasila as a form of recognition of the diversity of national culture.
"This is an important momentum when the state officially recognizes our cultural plurality. That is what is used as a basis," Hasan explained.
National Cultural Day was confirmed through the Decree (SK) of the Minister of Culture Number 162/M/2025 which was signed by the Minister of Culture Fadli Zon on July 7, 2025. This determination also involves input from various cultural observers and art actors throughout Indonesia.
"It is important to set a special day so that traditions and cultural arts actors have a place in national development," Hasan added.
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Hasan explained that several alternative dates, such as May 2 (National Education Day) and May 20 (National Awakening Day) were considered. However, it has been used for other warnings. Then October 17, which is considered to have a strong philosophical and historical meaning.
Regarding the coincidence of this date, the same as President Prabowo's birthday, Hasan called it purely unintentional. "When it comes to date, it can match the ideology everywhere. June 21, Bung Karno died, June 21, and the 7th President was born. However, we don't use matching logic," he concluded.