Indonesian History Book Faces Intellectual Property Hurdles Over Photographs

Jakarta (ANTARA) - Minister of Culture Fadli Zon has said that the History of Indonesia book is still being held up by issues over photographs, as a number of original photos require resolution of their intellectual property rights.

“So the latest on the book is that it is actually finished. But it turns out there are still obstacles, particularly regarding the photos,” he said at a press conference in Jakarta on Wednesday.

He explained that original photographs are currently being followed up with regard to intellectual property (IP).

Nevertheless, Fadli is still targeting the completion and launch of the 11-volume history book by August 2026.

“Yes, the target is this August — it is a target, after all. Hopefully it will not be missed,” he added.

“The writing of this book is part of the state’s effort to preserve collective memory and strengthen the nation’s identity through comprehensive historical writing, from a Nusantara perspective,” Fadli Zon said while delivering remarks in Jakarta on Sunday (14/12).

The book, “Sejarah Indonesia: Dinamika Kebangsaan dalam Arus Global” (The History of Indonesia: National Dynamics in the Global Current), maps the long journey of the Indonesian nation, 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 to defend independence, the consolidation of the state, the New Order era, up to reformasi and the consolidation of democracy through to 2024.

“If our history were written in full, it might take a hundred volumes. This book is a highlight of the nation’s journey,” he said.

The history book was prepared by experts rather than written by the government. He noted that the writing process involved 123 historians from 34 universities across Indonesia, facilitated by the Ministry of Culture through its Directorate of History.