“We must respect and acknowledge that writing history should be done as clearly and transparently as possible, without disadvantaging any party or erasing their historical footprint,” she said at the Parliamentary Complex in Jakarta on Thursday.
Her remarks came in response to Culture Minister Fadli Zon’s decision to continue the history revision initiative, despite calls from several lawmakers to postpone or halt the project.
“Let’s see how it will go,” Maharani added.
She emphasized that all historical facts must be preserved and respected, particularly those related to contentious events such as the political transition of 1998.
She referenced the state address of Indonesia’s third president, B.J. Habibie, who outlined key aspects of that turbulent period.
“We should adhere to the facts of 1998, as acknowledged by President Habibie in his address,” she said.
Maharani stressed that any facts already validated by historians must be recognized and retained in the revised national history.
“If certain facts are dismissed as unnecessary, is that truly accurate? As many historians have noted, facts — especially those presented by a president — must be acknowledged as part of our national narrative,” she said.
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Translator: Melalusa, Kenzu
Editor: Anton Santoso
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