Open the Miskat Exhibition, Fadli Zon discusses the history of Islam in Indonesia

Jakarta – Fadli Zon, Minister of Culture, officially opened the exhibition ‘Miskat: Light of Islamic Civilization’ in the Indonesian National Museum, Jakarta, Thursday (4/17/2025). This exhibition contains more than 300 historical artifacts, including ancient al-Kur’an manuscripts, Arab tombstones, archaeological findings of Western Sumatra, as well as contemporary Islamic art. “It is not only an exhibition of objects, but also the narrative of civilization and a recording of harmony between Islam and the local culture that has been underway for centuries,” Fadli in a written statement, Friday (4/18/2025). Browse to continue with the content in his remarks, Fadli also conveyed an important archaeological discovery that characterized the entry of Islam since the 7th century AD, which made Indonesia to one of the initial regions of Islamic teachings in Southeast Asia. The findings reinforce the historical narrative that the coming of Islam to Indonesia is not only by Da’wah, but also through trade and cultural exchange. “The findings of coins of the Bongal site, in the central tapanuli, show that Northern Sumatra has been present in the archipelage since 79 Hijri or the 7th century AD,” he said. Fadli also emphasized that Indonesia’s position in the history of the world Islam was increasingly strong thanks to these discoveries. “Islam in Indonesia does not come through conquest or violence, but through trade, exchange of knowledge and art. Islam embraces local traditions and forms a moderate and open face,” he said. He added that archaeological discoveries on the Bongal site became one of the most important highlights of this exhibition. The site is located on the West Coast of Sumatra, an area that was once an important port on the international trade route. In addition to Arab coins, artifacts were also found from Byzantine and early Christian times, suggesting that the area has long been involved in cross -cultural exchanges. On the same occasion, Fadli also introduced the latest documentation catalog of ancient Islamic tombstones in Aceh, including 957 epigraphic of 380 graphics. This catalog is expected to be an important source of reference to investigate the history of Islam in the western region of the archipelago, especially to understand how Islam developed peacefully and rooted in the tradition of local communities. “This is an important step in the preservation of Islamic cultural heritage, as well as a larger research space for academics and archaeologists,” he said. As part of the dedication of national culture, Fadli also announced that Indonesia will host the 2025 World Cultural Forum in Bali in September. “This forum will offer world -cultural leaders, academics, artists and policymakers to discuss the future of global cultural diplomacy,” he explained. The forum will bear the theme ‘Culture for the Future’, which faces issues such as cultural health, heritage and innovation retention to face global challenges. Fadli hopes this forum will strengthen the position of Indonesia as an epicenter of culture and civilization in the world. Furthermore, Fadli explained that the Menkat Exhibition has become an important milestone in building public awareness of the roots of Islamic history in Indonesia. More than just a narrative of the past, this exhibition shows a face of Islam that is full of tolerance, dialogue and harmony of a cultural face that is now very relevant in the global context. “Hopefully this exhibition will be a big step in emphasizing the role of Indonesia on the world scene as a center of peaceful, knowledgeable and cultivated Islamic civilization,” Fadli concluded. For information, the event was also present Deputy Minister of Culture Giring Ganesha and DPR member Denny ‘Cagur’. (AKD/AKD) HOEGENG Awards 2025 Read the inspiring story of the exemplary police candidate here