Kontroversi Penulisan Ulang Sejarah Indonesia | Explained

Summary

Indonesia's ongoing effort to rewrite its history has sparked both support and criticism. The Ministry of Culture aims to create an official history that emphasizes national identity, removes colonial bias, and incorporates updates, especially regarding prehistory. However, the initiative has faced backlash from groups like the Indonesian Historical Openness Alliance, who argue that it risks legitimizing political power and silencing the truth. Critics also fear the creation of 'official' history may lead to biased interpretations and the marginalization of alternative perspectives. This controversy mirrors similar efforts in other countries, where history is often rewritten to serve political or ideological agendas.

Takeaways

• 😀 The Indonesian government is in the process of rewriting the national history, aiming for a neutral and positive portrayal, while updating historical narratives from prehistory to the current administration.
• 😀 The official history will consist of 10 volumes, surpassing the previously published series of Indonesian National History, which had 9 volumes and was published in 2012.
• 😀 The rewriting of history has sparked public debate, with some arguing it could obscure dark historical facts and favor political agendas.
• 😀 The goal of the rewriting process is to strengthen national identity, increase patriotism, and update history, especially in prehistoric times, without promoting nationalism.
• 😀 Critics, such as the Indonesian Historical Openness Alliance (Action), argue that the project could legitimize political power and erase alternative historical perspectives.
• 😀 The rewriting of history includes the removal of colonial bias and focuses on presenting an Indonesian perspective while addressing modern challenges and globalization.
• 😀 The rewriting project is heavily funded, with a budget of Rp9 billion and aims to be completed by August 17, 2025, during the 80th anniversary of Indonesia's independence.
• 😀 Several countries have also rewritten history for political or ideological purposes, such as China, South Korea, Japan, and India, where historical narratives have been modified to serve national interests.
• 😀 Controversy has arisen over the use of the term 'official history,' which critics believe could lead to the suppression of alternative historical interpretations and subversion of the truth.
• 😀 The debate over rewriting history highlights the importance of building an honest, humanizing historical narrative that enriches collective memory and emphasizes shared humanity over glorification of states or individuals.

Q & A

Why is the rewriting of Indonesian history causing debate?

The rewriting of Indonesian history has drawn both support and criticism. Some argue it could obscure dark facts from the previous regime, while others worry it may legitimize political power and lead to historical whitewashing.

What are the main goals of rewriting Indonesian history?

The primary goals are to produce an official history with a national orientation, enhance nationalism without being overly nationalistic, and update historical narratives, especially from prehistoric times. It also seeks to remove colonial bias and affirm the historical autonomy of Indonesia.

What is the structure of the rewritten history?

The rewritten history will consist of 10 volumes, which will serve as an official history book outlining key milestones in Indonesia's history. This is meant to provide a more neutral and positive perspective, especially regarding the nation's leaders.

How does the rewriting of history relate to previous versions of Indonesian history?

This is not the first time Indonesian history has been rewritten. Previous editions, such as the 'Indonesian National History' in the 1970s and 'Indonesia in the Flow of History' in 2012, provided historical narratives, but the current effort aims to update and correct previous biases.

What is the controversy around the term 'official history'?

The term 'official history' has sparked controversy as it suggests that history will be controlled by the state. Critics argue this could result in the suppression of alternative narratives and lead to the creation of 'illegal' or 'subversive' histories.

What are the criticisms from the Indonesian Historical Openness Alliance (Aksi)?

The Indonesian Historical Openness Alliance opposes the rewriting of history, claiming it could be used to legitimize political power and obscure important truths. They argue that history should reflect multiple perspectives and not be solely shaped by the state.

What are the specific concerns about the process of rewriting history?

One of the key concerns is that the rewriting could be rushed and lack transparency. There are also fears that the government's involvement in the process may result in biased or manipulated historical narratives.

How has the public been involved in the rewriting process?

The public has been invited to provide feedback through a public test process, scheduled for June to July 2025. This will help refine the rewritten history before its completion by the 80th anniversary of Indonesia's independence in August 2025.

How does the rewriting of history in Indonesia compare to similar efforts in other countries?

Similar historical rewriting efforts have occurred in other countries, often driven by political or ideological motives. For example, China's historical narrative was altered to align with the Communist Party's goals, and South Korea faced similar debates over military coup narratives.

What is the broader philosophical perspective on the rewriting of history?

The rewriting of history raises important questions about the nature of historical knowledge. History is seen not just as a collection of facts, but as an argument or methodology that shapes our understanding of the past and influences how we plan for the future. The key challenge is ensuring that historical narratives are honest and humanizing, not driven by political agendas.