RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - The Indonesian government has officially designated July 13 as the Day of Belief in One Supreme God, recognizing the country's followers of indigenous beliefs as an integral part of the nation. The designation was marked by the presentation of the Minister of Culture's Decree No. 135 of 2026 by Minister of Culture Fadli Zon to Naen Suryono, Chairperson of the Indonesian Supreme Council of Beliefs in One Supreme God (MLKI), during a ceremony at Taman Mini Indonesia Indah (TMII) in East Jakarta, Monday, 6 July 2026.

The ministerial decree affirms that followers of indigenous beliefs enjoy the same constitutional rights as all Indonesian citizens, as guaranteed under Pancasila and the 1945 Constitution of the Republic of Indonesia. The government said the new national observance reflects its commitment to strengthening recognition and protection of Indonesia's diverse belief traditions.

In his remarks, Fadli said the Day of Belief in One Supreme God serves as a reminder that Indonesia was founded on the principles of diversity, tolerance, and respect for the dignity of every citizen. He emphasized that the state has a responsibility to ensure equal opportunities for all citizens to practice their beliefs, preserve their traditions, and pass on cultural values to future generations.

"We hope the establishment of the Day of Belief in One Supreme God will become an important milestone in strengthening recognition, respect, protection, and the advancement of an inclusive and sustainable national culture, while benefiting the nation and reinforcing Indonesia's national unity," Fadli said.

Director General for Cultural Protection and Tradition Restu Gunawan said discussions on establishing the commemorative day began in 2005. He noted that Minister of Culture's Decree No. 135 of 2026 was officially signed on June 30, 2026, before being presented to MLKI, the organization that proposed the initiative.

Meanwhile, MLKI Chairperson, Naen Suryono, expressed appreciation to the government and the Ministry of Culture for responding to the aspirations of followers of indigenous beliefs. "The establishment of this commemorative day is a strategic step that demonstrates the state's recognition of and respect for the rights of followers of indigenous beliefs as Indonesian citizens," he said.

The Day of Belief in One Supreme God will be observed annually on July 13, a date chosen for its historical significance. It commemorates the proposal by Indonesian statesman Mr. Wongsonegoro during the BPUPKI and PPKI constitutional deliberations on July 13, 1945, to include the phrase "and their beliefs," marking an important milestone in the recognition of indigenous beliefs within Indonesia's constitutional history.

Through the establishment of the commemorative day, the Ministry of Culture hopes to encourage greater appreciation of the nation's spiritual heritage, cultural diversity, and social harmony in the spirit of Bhinneka Tunggal Ika (Unity in Diversity). The government also reaffirmed its commitment to fostering an inclusive, harmonious, and culturally vibrant society by embracing religious and belief diversity as a strength in building a progressive Indonesia founded on the values of Pancasila.