Ministry of Culture and PETA Collaborate to Enhance Historical Literacy Through Film
The Ministry of Culture (Kemenbud) and the PETA Foundation (Yayasan Pembela Tanah Air) plan to collaborate in an effort to increase historical literacy and preserve the nation’s collective memory through film. The Ministry and the PETA Foundation will work together to plan the production of a film about Shodochanco Soeprijadi, which includes designing production investment schemes and developing scripts based on historical sources.
“The narrative of PETA’s struggle is important to present within the cultural diplomacy agenda, one of which is through the planned production of a heroic-themed film that highlights the story of Shodanco Soeprijadi and PETA,” stated Minister of Culture Fadli Zon in a ministry press statement confirmed in Jakarta on Friday. He emphasised the need for collaboration in scriptwriting to present heroic stories that align with historical facts regarding the PETA rebellion during the Japanese occupation.
The Minister of Culture stated that the government is preparing the production of several films themed around the struggle to defend independence. “The broad theme we have limited is regarding the war to defend independence, in accordance with the President’s direction,” he said. “Therefore, we are not using the term revolution, but rather the war to defend independence, because our historiography is most concentrated on the 1945–1950 period,” he explained.
He added that the film’s scenario was initiated by the PETA Foundation, with research and stories already completed by Jujur Prananto. “Currently, the production process has entered the stage of determining a director, forming a creative team, and preparing budget requirements and investment schemes,” he added.
In addition to discussing film production plans, representatives from the PETA Foundation also discussed proposals for granting titles, decorations, and honours to the pioneers of independence during their meeting with the Minister of Culture. In this regard, the PETA Foundation has submitted 20 names of independence pioneers, 16 of whom have already received approval from the Ministry of Social Affairs.