TEMPO.CO, Jakarta – The Indonesian government has officially designated July 13 as the Day of Belief in One Supreme God, marking formal state recognition of followers of Indonesia's indigenous belief systems and their place within the country's constitutional framework.
Culture Minister Fadli Zon said the observance reflects the state's recognition of Believers in One Supreme God (Penghayat Kepercayaan terhadap Tuhan Yang Maha Esa) as an integral part of Indonesia's diverse society.
Rooted in Indonesia's Founding History
In a statement issued by the Ministry of Culture on Tuesday, July 7, the government said the designation was based on a key moment in Indonesia's constitutional history during the sessions of the Investigating Committee for Preparatory Work for Indonesian Independence (BPUPKI).
On July 13, 1945, BPUPKI member Wongsonegoro proposed including the phrase "and its beliefs" in Article 29 of the 1945 Constitution, which governs freedom of religion and belief. The historical proposal became the basis for selecting July 13 as the annual Day of Belief in One Supreme God.
"This event marks an important milestone in the history of recognizing Belief in One Supreme God in the life of the nation and the state," the ministry said in its official statement.
Recognition of Equal Rights
Fadli said the observance was established through Culture Ministerial Decree No. 135 of 2026 on the Day of Belief in One Supreme God.
Under the decree, followers of Belief in One Supreme God are recognized as equal citizens whose rights are guaranteed under Pancasila and the 1945 Constitution.
Fadli expressed hope that the commemorative day would remind Indonesians that the nation is built upon diversity, tolerance, and respect for the dignity of every citizen.
He said the state is committed to ensuring that all citizens have equal opportunities to practice their beliefs, preserve their traditions, and pass on cultural values to future generations.
"We hope the Day of Belief in One Supreme God will become an important milestone in strengthening recognition, respect, protection, and the advancement of an inclusive and sustainable national culture that benefits the nation, reinforces national unity, and strengthens Indonesia's cohesion," Fadli said.
Proposal Discussed Since 2005
Director General of Cultural and Traditional Protection Restu Gunawan said discussions on establishing the commemorative day had been underway for more than two decades.
"The proposal for the Day of Belief in One Supreme God has been discussed since 2005. Finally, on June 30, 2026, Culture Ministerial Decree No. 135 of 2026 was officially signed, and it was presented directly by the Minister of Culture to MLKI as the proposing organization," Restu said.
Naen Suryono, chairperson of the presidium of the Indonesian Supreme Council of Belief (MLKI), welcomed the government's decision. He said it fulfilled the long-standing aspirations of followers of indigenous beliefs to have a national day that can be commemorated collectively as a symbol of unity in diversity.
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