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Why Is October 17 Designated As National Culture Day? This Is What Fadli Zon Has To Say

October 17 has been designated as National Culture Day (HKN). This decision was made by the Minister of Culture, Fadli Zon, through the Ministerial Decree (SK) Number 162/M/2025. "The date of October 17 is established as Culture Day. Culture Day is not a public holiday. This Ministerial decision takes effect from the date it is established," Fadli stated in the decree, as quoted on Monday (July 14, 2025). The document is known to have been signed on July 7, 2025, and is effective from the date of establishment. Nevertheless, National Culture Day will not be included among the national holidays. So, why was October 17 chosen as Culture Day?

The reason for designating October 17 as Culture Day is explained by Fadli Zon in an article from Kompas.com (July 14, 2025). He stated that the choice of October 17 is based on Government Regulation Number 66 of 1951 concerning the National Emblem. "The date of October 17 was selected due to profound national considerations, referencing Government Regulation Number 66 of 1951, which was signed by President Sukarno and Prime Minister Sukiman Wirjosandjojo on October 17, 1951," Fadli told Kompas.com on Monday (July 14, 2025). Fadli Zon further elaborated that the establishment of National Culture Day aims to enhance the collective awareness of the Indonesian nation regarding the significance of preserving, protecting, developing, and utilizing culture in sustainable national development.

Furthermore, Government Regulation 66 of 1951 stipulates the motto Bhinneka Tunggal Ika as an integral part of the national identity. "Bhinneka Tunggal Ika is not merely a motto, but a philosophy of life for the Indonesian people that reflects cultural richness, tolerance, and unity in diversity," Fadli Zon remarked. He added that Government Regulation Number 66 of 1951 concerning the National Emblem marks a historical milestone in the establishment of Garuda Pancasila and Bhinneka Tunggal Ika as Indonesia's official symbols.

The proponents have stated that the date is not related to Prabowo's birthday. As is known, the commemoration of National Culture Day coincides with the birthday of the President of the Republic of Indonesia, Prabowo Subianto. The proponents of National Culture Day assert that the choice of October 17 is not due to its connection with Prabowo's birthday, but rather for historical reasons. "Our research concluded that October 17 refers to Government Regulation Number 66 of 1951. It never crossed our minds that it was Prabowo's birthday," said the proponent, Achmad Charis Zubair from Team Garuda 9, when contacted by Kompas.com on Monday (July 14, 2025).

Charis elaborated that Team Garuda 9 is a group of cultural figures from Yogyakarta advocating for National Culture Day. Team Garuda 9 consists of himself, Nano Asmorodono, Yani Saptohudoyo, Yati Pesek, Bimo Wiwohatmo, Isti Sri Rahayu, Isti Muryani, Oni Wantara, Rahadi Sapta Abra, and Arya Arianto.

He explained that the proposal process for the national cultural day has been underway since January when the Garuda 9 Team submitted their proposal, followed by the submission of an academic manuscript a month later. The next steps involved two focus group discussions (FGDs) conducted both online and offline, as well as publication. "The publication was quite extensive, with 40 news articles released simultaneously, broadcasted throughout Indonesia during the audience with PWI, and simultaneous socialization on RRI and TVRI," Charis stated. Additionally, he noted: The Indonesiana Fund 2025 has been officially launched, aiming to advance Indonesian culture. Charis emphasized the importance of the national cultural day. It is not merely ceremonial; its significance lies in fostering a cultural ecosystem. "It aims to awaken a sense of national identity based on diversity, cultural plurality, through holistic character education that encompasses formal education, community awareness, and family involvement," Charis remarked.

Tag: Fadli Zon HKN National Culture Day