Ministry of Education Launches the Latest Indonesian History Book, Written by 123 Writers from 45 Institutions

JAKARTA - The Ministry of Culture of the Republic of Indonesia launched the book History of Indonesia: National Dynamics in Global Currents, at the Plaza Insan Berprestasi, Jakarta Culture Ministry Building, Sunday, December 14, 2025. The launch was held in conjunction with the establishment of National History Day, marking a major update of the writing of Indonesian history that has not been comprehensively carried out for a long time.

Minister of Culture Fadli Zon stated that this book was compiled as a response to the academic need to enrich the Indonesian history narrative with the latest research findings. The government, he said, does not interfere in the content and methodology. The role of the state is limited to that of a facilitator.

"In the last two decades, there have been many historical and archaeological findings that have not been integrated. This book answers that need," said Menbud Fadli Zon.

This book consists of 10 main volumes and one volume of miscellaneous facts, with a total of 7,958 pages. The writing process lasted for one year and involved 123 writers and editors from 34 universities and 11 non-university institutions. The writing was designed not as a textbook, but as a narrative of the dynamics of the Indonesian nation's journey.

In the construction of the narrative, Indonesia is placed as the main subject of history. The roots of civilization are traced back thousands of years ago, from the discovery of ancient humans, the spread of culture, to the interaction of Nusantara with Indian, Chinese, Middle Eastern, and Western civilizations. This approach emphasizes that the direction of Indonesian history is shaped by the internal strength of the nation.

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Director General of Cultural and Traditional Protection, Restu Gunawan, explained that all stages of writing were carried out strictly from January to November 2025. The process involves general editors Prof. Susanto Zuhdi, Prof. Singgih Tri Sulistyono, and Prof. Jajat Burhanuddin, as well as through substantive editing and public discussion.

"We ensure that each stage is in accordance with academic principles and is open to being tested," said Restu.

On the same occasion, the Ministry of Culture designated December 14 as National History Day through the Decree of the Minister of Culture Number 206/M/2025. This date refers to the first Indonesian History Seminar in Yogyakarta on December 14-18, 1957.

According to Fadli Zon, the launch of the book and the establishment of History Day are a confirmation of the role of the state in maintaining the collective memory of the nation. "Without history, the nation loses its direction," he said.

The event was attended by historians, academics, historical observer communities, and the Chairman of Commission X of the Indonesian House of Representatives, Hetifah.