Speaking at a history seminar observed on Saturday, the minister said Indonesia’s strong oral tradition, while valuable, has also contributed to the limited availability of written historical records that center on Indonesian perspectives.
“Oral tradition is important, but its reach is limited in time. Writing, on the other hand, endures. Publish or perish. We must write our own national history,” Zon said.
He noted that much of the existing documentation on Indonesia’s history and natural diversity was produced by European explorers, particularly from the Netherlands, Indonesia’s former colonial power.
As an example, Zon pointed to early records of natural diversity in Ambon, Maluku, compiled by Georg Eberhard Rumphius, a German-born botanist who worked for the Dutch East India Company.
He also cited British naturalist Alfred Russel Wallace, who conducted extensive research across the Indonesian archipelago, documenting his observations and collecting numerous specimens during his travels.
According to the minister, key historical records on Borobudur were written by C. Leemans in 1873 and later by Dutch officer Theodoor van Erp in 1920, who played a major role in the temple’s restoration.
“The Dutch documented everything, from travel journals to detailed technical notes,” Zon said.
Reflecting on this legacy, he stressed the importance of Indonesian researchers expanding their own research and documentation efforts to strengthen national historical narratives.
“It is important for us to reinvent Indonesian identity by revisiting, completing, and refining it. I believe our identity is strong, but still not fully explored,” he said.
Zon also expressed hope that Indonesians, particularly historians, archaeologists, anthropologists, and sociologists, would take a more active role in writing and recording the nation’s history.
“If someone wants to understand Indonesia today, they must also look to the past. The past, the present, and the future are inseparable,” he added.
Related news: Indonesia to publish history book on national heroes
Related news: Indonesia rewriting history to build stronger identity: Minister
Translator: Sri Dewi Larasati, Nabil Ihsan
Editor: Primayanti
Copyright © ANTARA 2026
