The designation of Oct. 17 as National Culture Day by Minister of Culture Fadli Zon has sparked public debate, drawing criticism from academics, including cultural studies expert Professor Aprinus Salam from Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM). He firmly expressed his disapproval of the establishment of a National Culture Day.
“I have never agreed with the idea of a National Culture Day. Every day is a day of culture,” he stated on Monday, Jul. 21, 2025.
According to him, the assignment of a specific day to celebrate culture actually diminishes the true meaning of culture itself.
Culture is not merely an annual celebration or ceremony, but something that permeates daily life.
“Why should culture be isolated to a single moment? As if the other days are not important. Culture lives every day, in practice, in human relationships, in respect and appreciation,” he asserted.
Professor Salam further criticized the idea that a designated National Culture Day may lead the public to focus solely on preparing for the celebration on that one particular day.
This could trap people into performing yearly rituals while neglecting the importance of embodying cultural values in everyday life.
“People may end up only focusing on commemorating National Culture Day on Oct. 17, as if the other days are not days of culture,” he added.
He emphasized that culture should not be commemorated but lived.
In other words, the spirit of culture does not require ceremony; it requires sustainable, meaningful practice that is relevant and integrated into the fabric of community life.
Author: Rafif Rusmana
Editor: Gusti Grehenson
Post-editor: Lintang Andwyna
Photograph: Kumparan