Indonesia to Rewrite Its National History, Set for Release on August 17, 2025
The Indonesian government is rewriting its national history. A new official history book will be released on August 17, 2025, with more inclusive and factual narratives.
National History Project Officially Begins
The Indonesian government has begun rewriting the country’s national history with a more scientific, inclusive, and research-based approach. Minister of Culture Fadli Zon confirmed that the final version will be released on August 17, 2025, coinciding with Indonesia’s 80th Independence Day.
This initiative addresses the need to update historical narratives considered outdated or unrepresentative. The current reference, Indonesia dalam Arus Sejarah (Indonesia in the Stream of History), was published in 2012 and is now seen as obsolete.
Revising Narratives and Correcting Historical Facts
More than 100 historians from various universities are involved in this major undertaking, led by Professor Susanto Zuhdi of the University of Indonesia. One of the key focuses is correcting contested narratives, such as the claim that Indonesia was colonized by the Dutch for “350 years,” which is now being critically reviewed.
The team will also incorporate significant discoveries, such as prehistoric cave paintings from Leang-Leang in Maros, South Sulawesi, which support Indonesia’s identity as one of the world’s oldest inhabited regions.
A New History Book for National Education
Once completed, this new history book will serve as the official reference in schools and educational institutions nationwide. The government has emphasized that the content will be objective, evidence-based, and free from political agendas.
This effort is more than an academic exercise—it is a strategic step to realign the nation’s collective understanding of its identity with the latest scientific findings.
Rewriting Indonesia’s history is not just about producing a new book, but about forging a truthful and comprehensive national identity. It marks a critical moment to reflect on independence with clarity and honesty.
