Jakarta - Minister of Culture, Fadli Zon, encourages the writing of Indonesian history not to stop as an academic document, but to be followed up so that it has a real impact on the public. History, he said, must be a source of living knowledge, relevant, and can be used across cultural mediums.
The affirmation was delivered during the History Talk entitled "Affirming Indonesianness in the Global Current: Strengthening Literacy and Historical Reflection" at the Culture Ministry Complex, Jakarta, Saturday, January 3. This forum is part of the process of writing the book History of Indonesia: National Dynamics in the Global Current.
Fadli considered that writing history is a challenge and a shared responsibility for Indonesian scientists - historians, archaeologists, anthropologists, and sociologists. History, according to him, is not enough to be passed down through the oral tradition. It must be written so that it is eternal and continues to be developed.
"This is a challenge for our scientists. What can we give to this nation? At least, write it down. From that writing will come development and usefulness," said Fadli.
He emphasized that serious historical manuscripts need to be encouraged to the stage of downstream development. History can be the basis for the development of films, theaters, and other creative works that reach a wide audience while strengthening historical literacy.
In the context of globalization, Fadli also highlighted the importance of rediscovering and perfecting the identity of Indonesianness. "The most important thing is how we rediscover, complete, and perfect the national identity of Indonesia," he said.
Fadli reminded, many historical records of the archipelago have been written by foreign researchers. Therefore, the Ministry of Culture encourages the birth of historical works by Indonesian historians with national perspectives and interests.
Over the past year, the ministry has facilitated the writing of the book History of Indonesia: Dynamics of Nationalism in Global Currents involving 123 historians from 34 universities. In the future, the writing of history of the period of the War to Defend Independence 1945-1949 as well as the great kingdoms of Nusantara such as Sriwijaya, Majapahit, and Pajajaran are also prepared.
The Ministry of Culture considers writing history as a long-term investment for the nation - not merely recording the past, but becoming a source of inspiration, strengthening character, and the foundation for the development of a sustainable cultural ecosystem in the midst of global currents.
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