In Indonesia, Fears Grow That Dark Past May Be Rewritten With Government’s New History Books
Indonesia's Culture Minister, Fadli Zon speaks during an interview with Reuters at his office, in Jakarta, Indonesia, May 8, 2025. REUTERS/Zahra Matarani/File photo Purchase Licensing Rights
In an article by Reuters, Ananda Teresia and Gayatri Suroyo assert that some historians fear that books will serve as propaganda as the Indonesian government plans on releasing new history books.
Several historians said the commissioning of the books presents an opportunity for historical revisionism at a time when Indonesia's younger generations - largely responsible for Prabowo's resounding election victory last year - have little or no memory of Suharto's 1966-1998 New Order era.
Prabowo openly praises Suharto, who was once his father-in-law, and is increasingly turning to the military to carry out his government's vision.
Prabowo has also been accused of rights abuses while in the military, including involvement in the kidnapping of student activists during riots in 1998 - allegations he has repeatedly denied and which Fadli said had been debunked.
