MPR Deputy Speaker Speaks on Nurturing Culture and Nationhood

Deputy Speaker of the People’s Consultative Assembly (MPR) Hidayat Nur Wahid, known as HNW, has emphasised the importance of implementing the constitution by nurturing culture as part of efforts to strengthen national identity and unity. He also said religion and nationhood are two things that are intertwined in daily life.

“Religion and nationhood are two things that cannot be separated in the life of Indonesian society,” HNW said in a written statement on Monday (24/8/2026).

Hidayat Nur Wahid made the remarks while attending the People’s Wayang Kulit Performance organised by the MPR to commemorate the 81st Anniversary of Indonesian Independence as well as to socialise the Four Pillars of the MPR, on Saturday evening (22/8).

The performance featured the story of Bimo Kurdo, presented by puppeteer Ki Jatmiko Anom Saputro, son of Indonesia’s legendary master puppeteer Ki Anom Suroto.

The event was also attended by MPR Deputy Speaker Hidayat Nur Wahid, Chairman of the PKS Faction in the MPR Tifatul Sembiring, Chairman of the PKS Faction in the House of Representatives Abdul Kharis Almasyhari, members of the PKS Central Executive Board, and the PKS Sharia Council.

Cultural Preservation Safeguards the Nation’s Wealth

HNW said PKS is one of the communities that has long had a concern for Nusantara culture, including Javanese and Sundanese culture. He assessed that cultural preservation is important because it is part of the nation’s wealth that must be passed on to the next generation.

“In accordance with Pancasila and the 1945 Constitution of the Republic of Indonesia, our religion and our nationhood are two conditions that are inseparable. They are like two sides of the same coin,” he said.

According to HNW, the MPR has made cultural performances one of the means of socialising the Four Pillars of the MPR. The cultural approach is considered capable of serving as a medium for conveying national values to the public.

HNW also stressed that the constitution pays attention to the development of national culture. The state has a responsibility to preserve and develop culture as part of efforts to strengthen Indonesia’s existence on the world stage.

Wayang kulit, he continued, is one piece of evidence of Indonesia’s cultural wealth that has gained world recognition. Wayang has even been designated by UNESCO as an intangible cultural heritage.

For this reason, HNW assessed that preserving wayang is not merely about safeguarding a traditional art form, but also about maintaining the nation’s identity.

In the momentum of the 81st Anniversary of Indonesian Independence, HNW also invited the public to strengthen their gratitude for Indonesia’s independence.

According to him, the various problems facing the nation, from natural disasters to economic pressures, must not erode optimism and a sense of unity.

“If we are not skilful in weaving together and refreshing the memory of gratitude for Indonesia’s independence, pessimism could come to dominate, so that our feeling of being one nation and one homeland could become increasingly barren,” he continued.

HNW said independence is a great blessing that deserves gratitude. He also linked the importance of being grateful for Indonesia’s independence to the struggle of the Palestinian people, who are still fighting to achieve independence.

Regarding the story of Bimo Kurdo, HNW assessed that the tale carries a message relevant to the spirit of Indonesian independence. The story depicts a struggle against various trials, obstacles and evils before truth ultimately achieves victory.

He expressed hope that the wayang kulit performance would become a momentum to strengthen awareness of the importance of unity amid the diversity of Indonesian society.

“We in political parties, we in state institutions, we in Java and other ethnic groups, we can unite as fellow citizens and people of Indonesia. Exactly as exemplified by the nation’s founding fathers who were members of BPUPKI, the Committee of Nine and PPKI. Hopefully this is part of our proof of gratitude to Allah, who has bestowed the blessing of liberating Indonesia,” HNW concluded.

After delivering his national message, HNW symbolically handed over a wayang figure to Ki Jatmiko Anom Saputro. The handover marked the start of the People’s Wayang Kulit Performance.