History is not just written, it's rewritten – and Indonesia's latest attempt is sparking fierce debate. On December 19, 2025, Tempo English unveiled its top 3 news stories, with a spotlight on Indonesia's ambitious – and controversial – project to rewrite its national history. But here's where it gets controversial: the government-led initiative, spearheaded by Culture Minister Fadli Zon, has ignited a firestorm of criticism and praise alike.
Headlining the news is the official launch of Sejarah Indonesia: Dinamika Kebangsaan dalam Arus Global (Indonesian History: National Dynamics in the Global Flow), a comprehensive new edition of the nation’s history. This state-sanctioned book is part of a broader effort to reinterpret Indonesia’s past, but not everyone is on board. Minister Zon acknowledged the project’s contentious nature, noting that calls to halt it have been vocal. Yet, he framed this backlash as a healthy sign of democracy in action. “There was a controversy to stop the historical writers,” Zon stated during a speech on December 14, 2025, “but that’s normal.”
And this is the part most people miss: the debate isn’t just about the book itself, but about who gets to tell the story of a nation. Is it the government’s role to reshape historical narratives, or should history remain a space for diverse interpretations? This question is at the heart of the controversy, and it’s one that doesn’t have easy answers.
Moving beyond Indonesia, violence erupted in Bangladesh following the death of Sharif Osman Hadi, a prominent youth leader and key figure in the 2024 uprising that toppled autocratic rule. Hadi, who was shot by masked men on December 12, succumbed to his injuries in a Singapore hospital. His death has sparked widespread protests, with demonstrators demanding justice for his killers. Hadi’s legacy as a catalyst for change has left a nation in mourning and a political landscape in turmoil.
But here’s the bigger question: In both Indonesia and Bangladesh, we see governments and citizens grappling with the power of narrative – whether it’s rewriting history or demanding accountability for those who shape the present. What does this say about the role of storytelling in shaping our collective future?
As you reflect on these stories, we invite you to join the conversation. Is Indonesia’s history rewrite a necessary update or a dangerous precedent? And how should nations honor the legacies of leaders like Hadi while addressing the violence that often follows their absence? Share your thoughts in the comments – let’s keep the dialogue alive.
