Indonesia Urged to Reinvent National Identity Through Culture

RRI. CO.ID, Jakarta - Indonesia’s Minister of Culture, Fadli Zon, called for a stronger national identity rooted in culture, diversity, and togetherness during the 10th anniversary celebration of Pergerakan Indonesia Maju or Indonesia Maju Movement in Jakarta on Thursday, May 21, 2026. The event took place at Hotel Ambhara and brought together national leaders, scholars, and cultural figures.

Based on release received by RRI Voice of Indonesia on Saturday, 23 May 2026, The gathering carried the theme “National Insight of the Indonesia Maju Movement and the Nation’s Challenges.” The Indonesia Maju Movement was founded and declared a decade ago by Indonesian Muslim scholar Din Syamsuddin to promote humanity, diversity, and unity in Indonesian society.

In his speech, Fadli Zon, said the values promoted by the movement are in line with Article 32 of Indonesia’s 1945 Constitution. The article states that the country must advance national culture while ensuring communities are able to preserve and develop their own cultural traditions.

The minister described Indonesia as a nation with “cultural mega diversity” due to its vast ethnic, linguistic, and cultural richness. “This is part of reinventing Indonesian identity, namely rediscovering who we are as a nation,” Fadli Zon said during the event.

He also stressed that Indonesia should not define itself only through its colonial history, but through the spirit of resistance shown by its people against colonialism. According to him, this perspective is important in strengthening the confidence and identity of future generations.

Speaking about democracy, Fadli Zon, referred to the ideas of Indonesia’s first Vice President Mohammad Hatta. He explained that Indonesian democracy should remain connected to local cultural values such as mutual cooperation, deliberation, tolerance, and togetherness.

The minister further argued that Indonesia should be viewed as a “civilizational state” shaped by centuries of cultural interaction and coexistence. He said the country’s long history as a cultural melting pot should become a foundation for future national progress.

Former Indonesia's Vice President, Jusuf Kalla, also attended the event and emphasized the importance of discipline, honesty, and responsibility in national development. Meanwhile, Din Syamsuddin said the Indonesia Maju Movement would continue encouraging collective awareness and unity to help shape Indonesia’s future.