Daftarsbmptn.com – The phenomenon of historical denial is increasingly prevalent in the public sphere, especially in the digital age, which is saturated with instant information. Ironically, truth is often measured narrowly based on a single piece of paper, an administrative document, or an archival fragment, while social context, historical facts, and academic studies are ignored. Historians and academics consider this tendency a form of flawed logic that is dangerous for society’s collective consciousness.
Narrowed Truth
In public discourse, it is not uncommon for a historical event to be declared never happened simply because a specific written document has not been found. This approach ignores the reality that history is constructed from various sources: archives, oral testimony, cultural artifacts, and even interdisciplinary research. Simplifying the truth to a single piece of administrative evidence is considered misleading and unscientific. National University historian, Dr. Ahmad Rizki, calls this approach a logical fallacy.
“History is not always neatly documented. Many important events live in collective memory and unwritten evidence. Erasing them simply because a single document is missing is flawed logic,” he said.
The Digital Age and Historical Distortion
Social media accelerates the spread of simplistic narratives. Document fragments are often used as justification tools without methodological verification. As a result, the public is trapped in a black-and-white narrative, as if truth is only valid if printed and stamped. This phenomenon is exacerbated by viral content that prioritizes sensationalism over accuracy.
Digital algorithms tend to amplify extreme views, making false logic easily accepted as “new facts.”
The Dangers of Historical Denial
Historical denial not only harms academics but also has social and political repercussions. Ignoring historical context has the potential to obscure justice for victims of past events and open up space for the manipulation of identity and collective memory. Cultural observer Siti Marlina believes that historical denial is often used for certain interests.
“When history is narrowed, it is easy to control. This is dangerous because society loses its ability to critically examine the past,” she said.
The Importance of a Scientific Approach
Experts emphasize the need for historical literacy and critical thinking. Historical truth should be tested through scientific methodology, source triangulation, and an openness to complexity. Documents are important, but they are not the sole determinant.
Inclusive and context-based history education is considered a long-term solution to countering false logic. Furthermore, the media is also expected to be more responsible in presenting historical issues in a balanced manner.
Conclusion
The rise of historical denial due to flawed logic is a serious warning amidst the flood of information. When truth is reduced to a single page, society risks losing a complete understanding of the past. Respecting history means understanding the context, listening to multiple sources, and rejecting misleading simplifications.