Fadli Zon Wants Revision Of Indonesia's Historical Records: The Results Of The Study Of Historical Experts

Minister of Culture Fadli Zon. (Photo: Doc. ANTARA)

JAKARTA - Minister of Culture Fadli Zon revealed that after a meeting with the Indonesian Historians Society (MSI) in Bandung, West Java, there will be a revision of Indonesia's historical record.

"Indonesia's historical record will be updated based on the results of studies by historical experts. We will immediately write a version update or revision of additions to our history book in the context of 80 Years of Free Indonesia," said Fadli as quoted by ANTARA, Saturday, December 14.

This revision, Fadli gave an example of prehistoric times, where based on the latest research, the history of civilization in the Indonesian region turned out to be older.

"There are new findings, for example the latest research in our prehistoric such as the Leang-Leang Maros Cave, which was previously thought to be 5,000 years old, turned out to be 40,000-52,000 years ago, it had to be added. If nothing is new, we will continue," said Fadli.

MSI General Chair Agus Mulyana explained that the historical revision in question is related to data and findings from the latest historical or archaeological research to provide positive energy to the nation, especially confidence.

"Sometimes we are less confident in terms of historicality. In fact, according to historical heritage research results, our prehistoric period is much longer, more backward than other countries we know, for example Egypt, then countries in Europe, now there are those that need updating," said Agus.

Agus added that the renewal of historical records would also target a colonial period in the Indonesian region, including the length of Indonesia's territory being colonized.

"Not all areas are 350 years old, but the power of the VOC or the Netherlands is in process. Aceh alone, this is an example, in the 1920s even the 1930s Aceh had not been conquered, meaning it was not colonized. I think it needs a reinterpretation too, that we are not a losing nation," he said.

Agus said the revision would also be carried out by targeting historical periodization, which currently has 10 volumes with a historical period until the reform period.

"We hope that there will be a periodization. We will continue until the present period of the Prabowo era. God willing, we are ready to be involved, because for MSI the writing of this history is an important momentum," he said.