Yogyakarta Province PWI Encourages National Cultural Day Determination

The atmosphere during the audience of Team 9 Garuda Plus at PWI DIY. (IST)

YOGYAKARTA The Indonesian Journalists Association (PWI) of Yogyakarta Province expressed full support for the proposal for the determination of National Cultural Day every October 17. The support was conveyed directly by the Chairman of PWI DIY, Hudono, when receiving an audience with Team 9 Garuda Plus at the PWI DIY Office, Wednesday, June 18, 2025.

Tim 9 Garuda Plus dipimpin oleh Nano Asmorondono, initiator Hari Kebuday Nasional. Ia hadir bersama sejumlah tokoh budaya nasional, antara lain Yani Saptohoedojo, Yati Pesek, Ahmad Charris Zubair, Ariyanto, Isti Sri Rahayu, dan Isti Muryani.

During the meeting, Hudono emphasized that the Yogyakarta Province PWI supported all initiatives that brought broad benefits, including the submission of HKN. He emphasized the importance of the role of the media in strengthening cultural narratives through sharp and responsible reporting.

"I strongly support, respond, and respect for this proposed National Cultural Day," said Hudono.

Nano Asmorodono said that visiting PWI was not just a gathering, but part of a step to build synergy with people in the press. For him, culture is not just an art, but includes all the values of life that shape the character of the nation.

"Government is life. It includes customs, creativity, values, and expressions. And it all deserves to be celebrated nationally," said Nano.

Ahmad Charris Zubair added, culture builds harmony between humans, God, nature, and others. According to him, National Cultural Day will be a collective moment for the nation to strengthen its identity and build national cultural trust.

October 17 was chosen as a proposal for National Cultural Day because it has a historical basis. That day refers to Government Regulation Number 66 of 1951 concerning the symbol of the state and the motto 'Bhinneka Tunggal Ika' an important symbol in the nation's cultural journey.

Support for the determination of National Cultural Day is not just a discourse. Team 9 Garuda Plus has taken a number of strategic steps to strengthen the legitimacy of the proposal. Starting on January 18, 2025, by holding a study forum with the Minister of Culture of the Republic of Indonesia, Team 9 opened a room for initial discussions regarding the urgency of determining HKN.

The move was followed by the submission of an official academic manuscript proposal to the Minister of Culture, Fadli Zon, on February 3, 2025. In that momentum, Team 9 submitted scientific study-based arguments on the importance of the state having National Cultural Day based on the identity and history of the nation.

It did not stop there, on May 21 and 22, 2025, Team 9 held a group-focused discussion forum (FGD) with cultural figures from various regions. The results of this discussion were then brought directly to the official submission to the Ministry of Culture.

At its peak, on June 4, 2025, the national FGD was held online and offline. This event was facilitated by members of Committee III DPD RI DIY, Ahmad Syauqi Soeratno, and involved cross-interest stakeholders from elements of academics, culturalists, to religious leaders from all over Indonesia.

At the end, Hudono considered that there needed to be broad socialization to the community, including Ngarso Dalem and other stakeholders. For him, this idea is not only worth fighting for, but must also be guarded together so that culture is not just remembered, but celebrated.