The Minister of Culture Officially Designates July 26th as Indonesian Poetry Day
JAKARTA-JAYA NEWS COM – Literary figures and communities celebrated the designation of July 26th as Indonesian Poetry Day.
This historic celebration was reflected in the event “Welcoming the Indonesian Poetry Day Establishment Procession, July 26th,” held at the Plaza Teater Jakarta, Taman Ismail Marzuki (TIM) on Saturday (July 26, 2025).
This event was initiated by the Hari Puisi Foundation, after the Government of the Republic of Indonesia, through the Minister of Culture, officially designated July 26th as Indonesian Poetry Day.
This designation is stipulated in Decree of the Minister of Culture of the Republic of Indonesia Number 167/M/2025 concerning Indonesian Poetry Day, as a form of recognition of poetry’s important role in the nation’s culture and civilization.
Minister of Culture Fadli Zon expressed his appreciation for the consistent work of the Hari Puisi Foundation over the past 13 years, inviting and encouraging a number of writers, literary communities, and literary activists from various regions of Indonesia to celebrate Indonesian Poetry Day every July 26th.
The date was deemed appropriate because it marks the birthday of the great Indonesian poet, Chairil Anwar.
The Ministerial Decree stated the need to commemorate Indonesian Poetry Day, as poetry, as a literary activity, has strong cultural roots throughout Indonesia.
Poetry plays a crucial role in the development of civilization, is an integral part of the nation’s historical events, and contributes to building and strengthening patriotism and nationalism.
The establishment of Poetry Day represents the state’s recognition of poetry’s role in the nation’s civilizational journey.
Furthermore, poetry is considered an essential part of Indonesian literary works, not only enriching cultural narratives but also recording history, preserving local wisdom and customs, and fostering critical, empathetic, creative, aspirational, and tolerant attitudes within society.
This decision also takes into account the tradition of commemorating Indonesian Poetry Day, which has been consistently observed by literary figures and communities since 2012, every July 26th.
The date was chosen because it coincides with the birthday of Chairil Anwar, a great Indonesian poet who has become a symbol of modern Indonesian poetry.
The Indonesian Poetry Day Foundation has consistently maintained this momentum for over a decade, and it’s time for the government to provide formal recognition.
So, the establishment of Indonesian Poetry Day has actually been a long-standing initiative, dating back to 2012.
The proposal for Indonesian Poetry Day also received support from a number of writers and literary community activists across Indonesia.
In his remarks, Minister of Culture Fadli Zon stated that poetry is a cultural expression that has existed for hundreds of years, from the era of the Old Poets, the New Poets, the Balai Pustaka era, to literary generations such as the ’45 Generation that gave birth to Chairil Anwar, Idrus, and Rivai Apin.
Chairil Anwar—despite only living to the age of 27—left a legacy of poetry that inspired the spirit of struggle.
His works, such as “Karawang-Bekasi” and “Diponegoro,” demonstrate how poetry can be a collective national strength.
This also refers to our legislation. Article 5 of Law Number 5 of 2017 concerning the Advancement of Culture defines poetry as part of language, art, literature, and oral traditions, which are included in the objects of cultural advancement.
“We believe that poetry is also a strategic tool for developing the nation’s noble cultural values, enriching cultural diversity, strengthening national identity, and enlightening the nation,” said Minister of Culture Fadli Zon.
“Going forward, the Ministry of Culture will collaborate more actively with the literary community. We will also launch the Indonesian Literature Award and expand programs such as a laboratory for translating literary works into various foreign languages,” concluded Minister of Culture Fadli Zon, who then concluded his remarks by reading a poem by Chairil Anwar, entitled “Diponegoro.”
Following the reading of the Minister of Culture’s Decree, poets including Sutardji Calzoum Bachri, Gus Nasruddin, Hasan Aspahani, Maman S. Mahayana, Nissa Rengganis, Linda Djalil, Acep Zamzam Noor, Jose Rizal Manua, and Abdul Kadir Ibrahim took part.
The event was also attended by the Ambassador of Ecuador, Mr. Luis Arellano; the Patron of the Indonesian Poetry Day Foundation, Ridha K. Liansi; the Chairperson of the Indonesian Poetry Day Foundation, Dato Sri Asri Zalnur; and the General Chairperson of the Indonesian Poetry Day Association (KSPSI), Cempur Hidayat.
This designation is expected to be a strategic step in supporting the advancement of national poetry and encouraging the growth of culture-based critical literacy.
The Minister of Culture once again emphasized the importance of state support and recognition for the work of poets, especially poetry, as an intellectual heritage and national identity. (***)
Contributor: Lasman Simanjuntak
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