Indonesian History Book Compilation Team Finalising Layout for Enhanced Appeal
The Ministry of Culture has announced that the compilation team for the book ‘Indonesian History: National Dynamics in the Global Current’ is currently preparing the book’s layout to ensure it is attractive and accessible to all segments of society.
‘The historical content of the book is actually complete, but we are currently working on the presentation. Since this is intended to be a somewhat luxury publication, it requires a high-quality layout and excellent design. The substance is finished, but we must ensure the visual presentation is not unappealing,’ stated Restu when met at the Senayan parliamentary complex in Jakarta on Wednesday.
Restu added that, overall, the book is expected to launch and be accessible to the public by next August. Previously, Minister of Culture Fadli Zon set a target for the book to be accessible digitally and free of charge to the public by February 2026, following an initial launch in mid-December 2025.
‘There is also a digitisation process involved, which they estimate will take approximately one to two months. My target is that it should be accessible by February,’ said Fadli Zon.
The Ministry of Culture launched the project as part of the state’s effort to preserve collective memory and strengthen national identity. The writing process, which commenced in January 2025, involves 123 historians and experts from 34 universities across Indonesia.
The 11-volume work, ‘Indonesian History: National Dynamics in the Global Current’, maps the long journey of the Indonesian nation, ranging from the roots of Nusantara civilisation and global interactions with India, China, Persia, the Middle East, and the West, through the colonial era, the national movement, the struggle for independence, state consolidation, the New Order era, to the Reformation and democratic consolidation up to 2024.
Furthermore, Fadli Zon emphasised that the history book was compiled by experts rather than being written by the government. He noted that the writing process involves 123 historians from 34 Indonesian universities, facilitated by the Ministry of Culture through the Directorate of History.