Bid TIK Polda Kepri – Bandung. Minister of Culture Fadli Zon announced plans to revise Indonesia’s historical records following a meeting with the Indonesian Historians Society (MSI) in Bandung on Saturday(14/12/2024).
“Indonesia’s historical accounts will be updated based on expert research. We aim to create a revised and enhanced version of our history books to commemorate 80 years of independence,” he said, as quoted by antaranews.com.
Minister Fadli cited recent findings, such as evidence from the Leang-Leang Cave in Maros, Sulawesi. Previously thought to date back 5,000 years, new research suggests its age is between 40,000 and 52,000 years, indicating a much older civilization in Indonesia.
MSI Chairperson Prof. Dr. Agus Mulyana emphasized the revisions will incorporate new archaeological discoveries to bolster national pride.
“Our prehistoric history predates many civilizations, including Egypt and Europe, which should enhance our confidence as a nation,” he said.
The revisions will also reinterpret the colonial period, challenging narratives about 350 years of occupation. For example, Aceh resisted Dutch control until the 1930s. MSI plans to update Indonesia’s 10-volume historical periodization through to the current Prabowo era.
