Minister Promotes Local History Through Minangkabau Manuscript

RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - Indonesia's Minister of Culture, Fadli Zon, has praised the publication of Alih Bahasa Kitab Salasilah Raja-Raja di Minangkabau, a translated manuscript documenting the genealogy, political system, migration, and expansion of Minangkabau rulers. He said the publication represents an important step in strengthening historical literacy and preserving Indonesia's cultural heritage.

Fadli delivered the remarks during the launch of the translated manuscript at the Arsari Function Hall of the Arsari Djojohadikusumo Foundation in Jakarta, Thursday, 2 July , 2026. The event brought together cultural figures and government officials to celebrate the publication of one of Indonesia's valuable historical manuscripts.

Minister of Culture Fadli Zon, said the publication not only provides a new historical source for scholars but also serves as an opportunity to enrich public understanding of Indonesia's past. "Indonesia's historical literacy is an essential part of our national identity and has enormous potential to be explored. It provides valuable insights into our past while helping us better understand the present and the future," the Minister said.

Fadli also encouraged greater documentation of local history through publications and other forms of literacy that could expand Indonesia's cultural knowledge. According to him, local historical works play an important role in strengthening national identity while reinforcing Indonesia's status as a country of extraordinary cultural diversity.

The minister emphasized the importance of producing more publications based on local histories from across the archipelago. He said such initiatives would enrich Indonesia's cultural heritage and offer broader perspectives on the country's identity as a cultural megadiversity nation.

The translated Salasilah Raja-Raja di Minangkabau manuscript is expected to expand public and academic access to one of the region's important historical sources, which has remained relatively unknown for many years. The publication is also expected to encourage more comprehensive research on the history of Minangkabau and the broader Malay world.

The Ministry of Culture views manuscripts as an important part of Indonesia's Objects of Cultural Advancement because they preserve knowledge, cultural values, and the nation's collective memory. Through collaboration among the government, academics, indigenous communities, and other stakeholders, the ministry hopes more Nusantara manuscripts will be studied, preserved, and utilized as valuable sources of knowledge.