Open The 200th Anniversary Of The Javanese War, This Is The Ministry Of Culture's Message

JAKARTA - Minister of Culture Fadli Zon opened the "200 Years of Javanese War" Exhibition at the Indonesian National Library, Jakarta, Saturday (20/7). Minister of Culture Fadli delivered a cultural speech entitled Finding the Nation's Self-Defense Through Reflection on Pangeran Diponegoro''s Shocks.

He stressed that the two-century anniversary of the Javanese War was not just a memory of history. This is an important momentum to re-explore the spirit of resistance of Prince Diponegoro relevant to today's challenges.

"This nation's struggle was not born out of comfort. It grew out of courage to fight colonialism, love the homeland, and principles that cannot be bought or defeated", said Fadli.

According to him, Diponegoro's fighting spirit has penetrated the times and has become an inspiration across generations. "In his sacrifice, we find the meaning of self-esteem and unshakable determination," he continued.

This exhibition is a collaboration between the Ministry of Culture and the National Library of the Republic of Indonesia. It will last until August 20, 2025, an exhibition to present various educational activities: Diponegoro theater, screening and film discussion, Pegon calligraphy workshop, Babad Diponegoro book surgery, Raden Ario Joyodiningrat sketch exhibition, to Diponegoro traditional herbal workshop.

Menbud Fadli also announced plans to open a painting exhibition titled NYALA: 200 Years of War Diponegoro at the Indonesian National Gallery on Monday (21/7).

The head of the National Library, Aminudin Azis, said that this exhibition is not only an effort to commemorate history, but also an intergenerational dialogue space. This is one of the priority programs in the promotion of the Nusantara script as a collective memory of the nation," he said.

At the end, Fadli invites the younger generation to deepen historical literacy. According to him, history is not just a past, but a reflection of the identity and moral compass of the nation.

"State heritage such as the Java War is a source of strength. We need to make it a foothold to build a just, character and cultured future," he stressed, before cutting the ribbon as a symbol of official opening.