Why 13 July is Designated as Faith in God Day
The government has designated 13 July as Hari Kepercayaan Terhadap Tuhan Yang Maha Esa (Faith in God Day). Minister of Culture Fadli Zon stated that the designation is a form of state recognition for the existence of Penghayat Kepercayaan in Indonesia.
The designation is based on a historical consideration, namely the session of the Investigating Committee for Preparatory Work for Independence (BPUPKI) during the formulation of the state foundation. During the BPUPKI session on 13 July 1945, member Wongsonegoro proposed the inclusion of the phrase ‘and Belief’ in Article 29 of the 1945 Constitution. Based on this, 13 July was chosen as the date to commemorate Faith in God Day.
‘This event is an important milestone in the history of the recognition of Faith in God in the life of the nation and state,’ stated an official release from the Ministry of Culture.
Fadli Zon said the government established the day based on the Decree of the Minister of Culture of the Republic of Indonesia Number 135 of 2026 concerning Faith in God Day. Based on the decree, Penghayat Kepercayaan are part of the Indonesian nation who have equal rights as citizens, guaranteed by Pancasila and the 1945 Constitution.
Fadli Zon hopes the designation of this day will serve as a reminder that Indonesia was built on the foundation of diversity, tolerance, and respect for the dignity of every citizen. The state, he said, is also present to ensure every citizen has equal space to practise their beliefs, preserve traditions, and pass on noble values to future generations.
‘We hope the designation of Faith in God Day can be an important milestone to strengthen recognition, respect, protection, and advancement of an inclusive and sustainable national culture, and bring benefits to the nation and state, as well as strengthen national unity,’ said Fadli Zon.
Director General of Cultural and Traditional Protection, Restu Gunawan, reported that discussions regarding the proposal for Faith in God Day have been ongoing since 2005. ‘Finally, on 30 June 2026, the Decree of the Minister of Culture Number 135 of 2026 concerning Faith in God Day was officially signed and this evening handed over directly by the Minister of Culture to MLKI as the proposer,’ he said.
Chairperson of the Presidium of the Majelis Luhur Kepercayaan Indonesia (MLKI), Naen Suryono, expressed gratitude to the government for responding to the aspirations of the Penghayat Kepercayaan community to have an important day that can be commemorated together as a symbol of unity in diversity.