Indonesian History Research Articles

Revisiting Chinese Indonesian Violence in Indonesian Post-New Order Fiction

May 1998 saw one of the worst cases of racial violence in Indonesian history. During 13th to 15th May 1998, there were acts of expropriation, looting, arson and sexual assault targeting the Chinese community in Indonesia. Using two specimens of Indonesian post-New Order fiction, Sekuntum Nozomi 3 (SN3) by Marga Tjoa and Putri Cina (PC) by Sindhunata, this study investigates how cultural memories of the May 1998 Tragedy were shared with the post-event generation. The method employed is a qualitative narrative with a narratological approach. The results showed that literary works function as a medium for the spread of memory. Through SN3 and PC, the memory of violence against ethnic Chinese Indonesians between 12th and 15th May 1998 is transmitted, especially for the post-event generation who did not experience it firsthand. Despite the differing representation strategy, there was substantively one voice to be conveyed, namely that of “discrimination, violence and human rights violations” against Chinese Indonesians. Memories are institutionalised and distributed as part of the national memory in these works. Both works mediate the politics of cultural memory to memorialise the past “sins” of the Indonesian people. These literary works can be viewed as tools for minorities to articulate discrimination.

“Ruma Besi” Site as a Media Learning History at Madrasah Aliyah Sairun, Rhun Islands-Banda Naira

The purpose of this study is to show how the historical site "Ruma Besi" in Madrasah Aliyah in the Banda Islands can be utilized as a learning resource for Sejarah Indonesia. This study used a qualitative descriptive method. The results of field observations and relevant reference sources served as the basis for the source consulted for this study. The results show that the historical site "Ruma Besi" (iron house) is a British and Dutch colonial house that originally functioned as the home of the owner of a nutmeg plantation, or Perkenier. Even though only rubble remains, residents said the house was made of iron, starting with supporting pillars, walls, doors, windows, and roofs. Residents of Rhun Island today know it better as a "house of entertainment" because the site reminds them more of the attractions of Javanese dancers accompanied by Javanese music, which always decorated the afternoon breaks of nutmeg plantation workers at that time. The process of utilizing the historical site "Ruma Besi" as a learning resource for Indonesian history for Madrasah students is carried out by imagining historical facts about Indonesia in the past through a simple research step or discovery inquiry, which allows students to be directly involved as actors in activities. Historical discovery and study. This process is very beneficial for a complete understanding of historical material because of its closeness to the locus and its direct involvement in learning and introducing historical information. Keywords: Ruma Besi, Media Learning History, Rhun Island, Banda Naira

Use of the TGT Type Cooperative Learning Model TGT on National Disintegration Material in Indonesian History Lessons in Class XII MIA 7

This research is background based on students during collaborative learning or discussions, because not all students have the same learning abilities and active participation. Therefore, researchers have a strategy to overcome this problem. In this research, the researcher used Classroom Action Research (PTK) as a method. Improving the learning outcomes of class XII MIA 7 students at SMA Negeri 3 Medan is the aim of this research by implementing the TGT learning model. The subjects at this were 36 students in class XII MIA 7, consisting of 22 female and 14 male students. The research implementation followed the PTK flow referring to Kemmis and McTaggart, with stages of pre-action, action, observation and reflection. This research was carried out in 2 cycles. Results of the application of learning in cycle I were student activity 72.31, teacher activity 76.13, classical absorption 74.30% and classical completeness 73.39. The learning outcomes of cycle I students do not meet the specified indicators of completeness, namely a minimum of 80% classical completeness. Then proceed to cycle II, by reflecting and correcting the shortcomings that occurred in cycle I. Application of this TGT model in cycle 2 after reflection, namely student activity 82.30, teacher activity 85.28, power classical absorption 79.97% and classical completeness 81.65. Results of using the TGT model in cycle II prove that TGT model is able to improve the quality of learning outcomes for class XII MIA 7 students at SMA Negeri 3 Medan

Determinisme Teologi Islam dalam Pola Gerak Sejarah Indonesia

This article discusses the determinism of Islamic theology in shaping the laws and movement patterns of Indonesian history. The aim is to explore how religions in Indonesia play a central role in shaping individual and group actions, as well as determining the movement patterns of modern Indonesian history. This discussion uses the speculative historical philosophy concept of historical determinism. In conclusion, the Indonesia historical driving force or it historical pattern are influenced by the theological ideas of religions in Indonesia, including Islam. This is reflected in the formulation of periodization of Indonesian history which is based on the periodization of Indonesian history, which is built on the basis of power entities characterized by religion and the identity of its rulers which is related to a particular religion. Apart from that, its influence can also be read in the style of historiography that developed in Indonesia which is related to religious affairs.

Learning Indonesian History of the Colonial Period: An Ecopedagogical Perspective

This article aims to analyze and describe the implementation of ecopedagogic-based history learning in the Colonial Indonesian History course. This research uses this qualitative research method, and the data analysis model used is an interactive analysis model. Starting from the stages of data condensation, data presentation, and conclusion and verification. The results showed that the history learning process carried out in sixteen face-to-face meetings had been carried out by integrating elements or main pillars in ecopedagogic-based learning, namely historical environmental literacy, cultural literacy, and utilization. This research is relevant to Bloom's competency domain, namely the competency domain of knowledge, attitudes, and skills. Previous research related to ecopedagogy only focused on the natural environment and its relevance to biology and social studies learning. Meanwhile, this research focuses on historical environments such as forts, museums, and monuments and their relevance to learning history. Ecopedagogic-based history learning is one of the solutions to monotonous history learning and is associated with the negative connotation that history learning is a boring memorization lesson.

Sejarah Eksodus Masyarakat Arab Hadrami Yaman ke Makassar

This research aims to provide deeper insight into the historical dynamics and impact on the region. In analyzing the data, the authors used qualitative methods to understand more deeply the events and motivations behind the exodus of the Yemeni Hadrami Arab Community to Makassar. Primary data from historical documents and trade letters are analyzed narratively and interpreted to identify important patterns and events. Apart from that, secondary data is used to provide a broader picture of the role of the Arab Hadrami Community in Makassar at that time. The exodus of the Arab Hadrami Community to Makassar is an important event in Indonesian history. In the 17th century, they migrated from Hadramaut, Yemen, to Indonesia, especially South Sulawesi. Their goals included trade, the spread of Islam, education, and the formation of mixed families. Hadrami Arab traders brought various trade goods, such as silk cloth and spices, to trade with the local population. This trade had a significant impact on the local economy and helped make Makassar an important trading center.

Assessment Rubric for Historical Thinking Skills in Accordance with the Kurikulum Merdeka

The introduction of the Kurikulum Merdeka by Indonesia's Ministry of Education and Culture (Kemendikbudristek) in the 2022/2023 academic year marked a significant shift in the national curriculum. This change, particularly in the subject of history, highlighted the need to develop and assess historical thinking skills. However, a notable gap in the new curriculum is the absence of clear guidelines for evaluating these skills. This research aims to fill this gap by proposing a comprehensive assessment rubric tailored to the Kurikulum Merdeka. The study focuses on historical thinking skills pertinent to the Kurikulum Merdeka, encompassing interpretative abilities, critical thinking, creativity, contextualization, imagination, and a multiperspective and reflective approach. Utilizing a qualitative case study methodology, this research involves in-depth document analysis and interviews with educators to develop a structured and effective assessment tool. This rubric is designed to offer clear criteria and indicators to educators in assessing students' historical thinking abilities. It addresses the challenges teachers face in integrating these complex skills into their teaching methodologies and aims to enhance the overall quality of history education. The research outcomes are anticipated to have a substantial impact on the teaching and learning processes in Indonesian history education, aligning with the progressive objectives of the Kurikulum Merdeka. The proposed rubric isn't just an assessment tool but also a framework for educators to foster and cultivate critical historical thinking among students, ensuring a more engaging and comprehensive understanding of history. This study contributes significantly to the evolving educational landscape in Indonesia, providing practical solutions for educators and policymakers to adapt to the changing demands in history education.

The Wali-Songo and (Western) Historiography: A Critical Review of a Methodological Achievement

Since the early 19th century, Western academics, particularly Dutch philologists, have been leading the way in modern research on Javanese history and literature. This scholarship has significantly influenced the narrative of Indonesian history in various aspects. However, despite its noteworthy legacy, there have been some challenges to the emic and native perspectives. This study aims to address this issue by examining the wali-songo (the Javanese nine saints) narrative in Western historiography. The study will critically review the contribution of Western scholars in explaining the narrative of wali-songo, primarily in terms of methodology. It will also highlight the legacy and impact of this scholarship on the intellectual history of Indonesia, specifically in the context of the wali-songo narrative. Ultimately, this paper seeks to bring about a nuanced understanding of the “historiography of wali-songo” in light of existing scholarship on this topic.

Pengaruh Perdagangan Maritim terhadap Penyebaran Islam di Indonesia pada Abad ke-15 M hingga ke-17 M

The spread of Islam in Indonesia is a complex and diverse phenomenon, influenced by various historical, social, and economic factors. One factor that has an important role in the spread of Islam in Indonesia is maritime trade. This research aims to explore the influence of maritime trade on the spread of Islam in Indonesia. Through a historical approach and historical data analysis, this research explores maritime trade routes which were the main means of spreading Islam in Indonesia in the past. By paying attention to economic, social, and cultural factors related to maritime trade, this research discusses how trade via maritime routes has facilitated cultural and ideological exchanges, including the Islamic religion, in the Indonesian archipelago. The findings of this research reveal significant insights into how maritime trade facilitated the spread of Islam, highlighting specific trade routes and interactions that were crucial in this process, thus providing a deeper understanding of the relationship between maritime trade and the spread of Islam, as well as its relevance in the context of Indonesian history and social development.

A Digital Preservation for the Indonesian First Terminus

Abstract The presence of modernization in Indonesia is supported by several factors, one of which is the railway network. Unfortunately, despite its importance in Indonesian history, the first terminus in Indonesia – namely, Semarang Station – has almost been forgotten. Conservation efforts are needed to describe the architectural evolution of Semarang Station, which can provide a lens to see the adaptation efforts in the development process and the global impact of the establishment of a railway network in the colony. Moreover, digital reconstruction as architectural preservation is necessary to convey the station’s historical value. Given the limited access and scarcity of architectural drawings for Semarang Station, textual sources were used to validate the information from the visual sources. The digitalization of visual data produced 2D objects that were used as the basis for making 3D models; these 2D objects were identified using textual data to see the relationship between their architectural transformation and the events related to the building. The findings of the architectural morphology analysis were then used as data to produce the 3D models, which were the main target of the digital reconstruction. The result of this process is a reconstruction of the morphology of the Semarang Station that demonstrates its historical value.

Heroism Values in Indonesian History Textbooks Indonesian History Grade XI Curriculum 2013

Indonesia has experienced colonialism from Europeans and Japanese occupation. Europeans initially sought spices in eastern Indonesia. Over time, Europeans wanted to control these goods which then tried to control the territory of Indonesia which was famous for its natural wealth. Kingdoms/sultanates that previously controlled parts of Indonesia began to experience unrest. Then came the heroic attitude, an attitude that fought for the rights and territories it controlled without interference from other parties. In the field of education, the concept of heroism is instilled through material in school textbooks. Through this research, the author analyzes the compulsory textbook of Indonesian History grade XI based on the 2013 curriculum. This book consists of seven chapters and the author analyzes the value of heroism in several chapters of this book. The purpose of this research is to analyze the values of heroism in the textbook. This research uses a qualitative approach with a discourse analysis method, with history textbooks as the subject. Based on the analysis, it is found that some passages contain the value of heroism. The author can conclude that the Indonesian history textbook grade 11 in 2013 contains the value of heroism.

Sacred and Cursed Bodies: The Necropolitics in the Suharto Regime’s Politics of Memory

ABSTRACT The article investigates the Suharto rule regime’s use of necropolitics to construct Indonesia’s memory of the 1965–66 mass murders. These memory politics were based on the anti-communist myth, which was the basis of the memory formation and creation of positive and negative heroes closely related to political changes. The regime used the bodies of generals who were killed during the attempted coup for political purposes, thus permanently anchoring this image in Indonesian society’s space and memory. Herein, the image of the generals’ bodies is juxtaposed with that of the victims’ bodies, which are still cursed and excluded from official Indonesian history. These necropolitics served the Suharto regime’s various interests of power, knowledge, and the clash between sacred and cursed bodies. Thus, the generals’ and victims’ bodies enhanced Suharto’s credibility. In this context, the generals’ bodies are treated as sacred, while the victims’ bodies are considered to be cursed, but both are causative agents of the development of the regime’s historical narrative, collective memory, and national identity.

Pemikiran Sartono Kartodirdjo Tentang Sejarah Perkotaan

This article explores Sartono Kartodirdjo's views regarding urban studies in Indonesia, especially his opinions regarding cities. This paper was written using library research methods. The library material used as a reference for this writing is various literature by Sartono Kartodirdjo which reflects his thoughts, especially those that discuss urban areas. Sartono showed sufficient enthusiasm in seeing the city as a historical study unit, positioning the city as a center of modernization. The main instruments of modernization in urban areas are means of communication, education, and newspapers or mass media. Modernization in urban areas has brought Indonesia towards the door of independence due to the emergence of a new awareness among the educated elite in urban areas. In this way, cities contribute and play an important role in Indonesian history, at least from Sartono Kartodirdjo's academic perspective.

Pengaruh Budaya VOC Menumbuhkan Korupsi di Kalangan Penguasa Indonesia di Era Kolonial

Indonesian history records the important role of the Vereenigde Oost-Indische Compagnie (VOC) in shaping culture and government systems. The VOC, a Dutch trading company, was dominant in the colonial era, controlling territory that is now part of Indonesia, Malaysia and Singapore. In its influence, the VOC not only brought Western culture but also expanded corrupt practices in Indonesia. This study uses qualitative research methods with a focus on literature study. Data was obtained through analysis of primary and secondary sources, as well as interviews with historians. This approach allows for an in-depth understanding of VOC culture and the impact of the corruption it initiated. Corruption started by the VOC is still a continuing problem in Indonesia because it has affected culture, social structure and government. Efforts to overcome this problem require hard and consistent work from the government and society. The VOC's influence not only introduced corruption during the colonial period, but also left a lasting legacy that influences Indonesia to this day. This corruption has become integrated into the culture and system of government, requiring continued efforts to overcome its impacts.

Indonesia, an offshore balancer in Southeast Asia?

AbstractObservers generally characterize Indonesia's foreign policy as non‐aligned, hedging between the great powers. Indeed, Indonesian noncommittal behavior and seeming disinterest in regional power politics appear at odds for a country of that size. To explain that puzzle, I apply the concept of offshore balancer, traditionally used to describe British and US foreign policy. An offshore balancer is a state separated from continental politics by a body of water. Theory predicts that an offshore balancer will generally avoid continental commitments when the balance of power is stable. However, it will join the power competition fray if a threatening potential hegemon arises. Offshore balancers turn aggressive only if continental states are so weak that crossing the sea and expanding onshore becomes easy. First, I present the concept and its importance and justify its generalizability through a short overview of American, British, and Japanese foreign policies. Second, I review Indonesian history to check whether its behavior corresponds to that of an offshore balancer. Finally, I lay out what offshore balancing implies for understanding Indonesian foreign policy and its future.

PROFESSIONALISM OF THE INDONESIAN ARMED FORCES: NEW, OLD, OR HYBRID PROFESSIONALISM?

This paper examines the special characteristics of the military professionalism of the Indonesian National Armed Forces (Tentara National Indonesia, TNI). TNI, which once held strong political power during the Suharto era, was transformed into a professional military that follows the principle of civilian supremacy and has not been involved in politics since its military reform in 1998. It seems to have changed from a military of new professionalism that dominates the politics of the nation, to a military of old professionalism that focuses purely on defence missions. However, the TNI’s missions are not limited to national defence, as it also carries out non-military missions, such as territorial development (pembinaan teritorial, Binter). This paper uses qualitative data collected through interviews with relevant personnel of defence and security sectors. This paper analyzes the TNI’s extensive non-military missions and its organized structure that are the old system of the Suharto era, sometimes criticized from the framework of conventional, western military norms. As a result, I argue that this old system is effective in conducting operations and that the TNI’s professionalism is neither old, nor new, but what I call hybrid professionalism, which fits the Indonesian history and society.

Pengembangan Multimedia Interaktif Untuk Pembelajaran Sejarah Indonesia Dengan Metode Think Pair Share Pada Kelas X Smk Nh Multimedia Poncokusumo

Every teaching and learning activity the potential of media cannot be ignored, and often the object to be studied is too complex. This study aims to develop an interactive multimedia lesson on Indonesian History that has been validated for Tenth Grade SMK NH Multimedia Poncokusumo. In the trial activity, this Interactive Multimedia is combined with the Think Pair Share learning model, the learning activities will be even more interesting because it is different from conventional multimedia learning. The test results for developing interactive multimedia on media experts are 91.3% (valid). Data The results of testing the validity and development of the Interactive Multimedia method on material experts are 93% (valid). Meanwhile, the data from the test results of the validity and development of the Interactive Multimedia method on the audience or respondents are 95% (valid), the results of the small group audience trial are 92% (valid), and the learning outcomes test is 100% (effective). Overall, based on the product eligibility criteria, it can be concluded that the learning media is included in a valid statement, so it is feasible and effective to use in learning.

Webquest Sebagai Pembelajaran Dimasa Pandemi Covid-19 Pada Mata Pelajaran Sejarah Indonesia Kelas X Di Smk Nurul Huda Poncokusumo Kabupaten Malang

The pandemic disease outbreak due to corona virus disease (Covid-19) has affected learning activities at both elementary and tertiary levels. The government requires students to carry out online learning activities. One online learning alternative that can be implemented is WebQuest. WebQuest is a type of web-based learning that is inquiry-oriented. In developing this WebQuest, the model used is Web-Based Instructional Design with four stages: 1) Analysis Stage, 2) Concurrent Design Stage, 3) Implementation Stage, 4) Evaluation Stage. This research was applied to 40 students of class Results of WebQuest trials with 3 experts. The results of data analysis from design experts obtained an average percentage of 80% suitable for use. The results of media expert data analysis obtained an average percentage of 90% suitable for use. The results of material expert data analysis obtained an average percentage of 88% suitable for use. The results of individual data analysis obtained an average percentage of 86.6% suitable for use. The results of small group data analysis obtained an average percentage of 85.7% suitable for use. The results of field test data analysis obtained an average percentage of 83.1% suitable for use. The number of students who fulfill the SKM reaches a percentage level of 87.5%, so the product is said to be effective. Meanwhile, in individual trials, small groups and field trials, it can be concluded that the WebQuest that has been developed is valid and suitable for use in learning activities. Learning with WebQuest can be the main alternative for online learning during the Covid-19 pandemic. WebQuest makes it easy for students to access study material by simply opening one website page. Apart from the material in WebQuest, there are also assignments/activities that can attract students to learn using WebQuest.Keyword: WebQuest, Study activity in the time of Covid-19 Pandemic, Indonesian History.

LOTS vs HOTS: Evaluation of History Textbooks for Class XII Senior High School

This study evaluates the prevalence of Lower Order Thinking Skills (LOTS) and Higher Order Thinking Skills (HOTS) questions in Indonesian History textbooks for twelfth-grade students. Utilizing a quantitative research methodology, the study analyzes the first-semester evaluation questions from textbooks published by the Ministry of Education and Culture, Erlangga, and Grafindo. Employing descriptive statistical techniques, the analysis reveals distinct disparities in the balance of LOTS and HOTS questions. Specifically, the Erlangga textbook contains 82.6% LOTS and 17.4% HOTS questions, while the Grafindo textbook shows a distribution of 96.7% LOTS and 3.3% HOTS questions. Furthermore, a comparative assessment of descriptive questions shows that the Ministry of Education and Culture’s textbook exhibits a ratio of 38.9% LOTS to 61.2% HOTS, Erlangga has 73.4% LOTS to 26.6% HOTS, and Grafindo features 90% LOTS to 10% HOTS. The findings indicate a significant underrepresentation of HOTS-based questions in the analyzed textbooks, suggesting a potential gap in fostering higher-level cognitive skills among students.

Colonization is Opposed to Freedom: Anti-Dutch Memories and the Didactic Practice of Indonesian History Teachers

This research examines the complexity of anti-Dutch memory in Indonesia by focusing on the idea that colonization is opposed to freedom. This research was carried out using qualitative methods. Data was collected using interview techniques, observation, and document study. The collected data was analyzed using a thematic analysis approach. An in-depth analytical exploration reveals how Dutch colonialism practices limited freedom. The concept of freedom in the context of colonialism includes restrictions on human rights, detrimental economic systems, and oppression of local culture. Anti-Dutch memory records persistent resistance through rebellion and war as a manifestation of freedom. The idea of independence was reflected in the Proclamation of Indonesian Independence in 1945, and liberator figures such as Soekarno became symbols of the struggle against colonialism. Anti-Dutch memory plays a central role in forming Indonesian national identity, constructing collective memory as a cultural heritage passed down through generations. This analysis enriches historical and social understanding, shows the complexity of teaching history, and emphasizes the importance of a contextual approach. This analytical exploration guides reflection on general statements and provides a basis for a deeper understanding of how essential freedom was in the struggle against colonialism. This article contributes to the Indonesian history education research literature. It opens space for further discussion about the impact of anti-Dutch memory on national identity and actual freedom in Indonesia.Penelitian ini mengkaji kompleksitas memori anti-Belanda di Indonesia dengan berfokus pada gagasan bahwa penjajahan bertentangan dengan kebebasan. Penelitian ini dilakukan dengan menggunakan metode kualitatif. Data dikumpulkan dengan menggunakan teknik wawancara, observasi, dan studi dokumen. Data yang terkumpul dianalisis dengan menggunakan pendekatan analisis tematik. Eksplorasi analitis mendalam mengungkap bagaimana kolonialisme Belanda mempraktikkan kebebasan yang terbatas. Konsep kebebasan dalam konteks kolonialisme mencakup pembatasan hak asasi manusia, merugikan sistem ekonomi, dan penindasan terhadap budaya lokal. Memori anti-Belanda mencatat perlawanan yang gigih melalui pemberontakan dan perang sebagai wujud kebebasan. Ide kemerdekaan tercermin dalam Proklamasi Kemerdekaan Indonesia tahun 1945, dan tokoh pembebas seperti Soekarno menjadi simbol perjuangan melawan kolonialisme. Memori anti-Belanda berperan sentral dalam pembentukan jati diri bangsa Indonesia, mengkonstruksi memori kolektif sebagai warisan budaya yang diwariskan secara turun-temurun. Analisis ini memperkaya pemahaman sejarah dan sosial, menunjukkan kompleksitas pengajaran sejarah, dan menekankan pentingnya pendekatan kontekstual. Eksplorasi analitis ini memandu refleksi atas pernyataan-pernyataan umum dan memberikan dasar untuk pemahaman yang lebih mendalam tentang betapa pentingnya kebebasan dalam perjuangan melawan kolonialisme. Artikel ini berkontribusi pada literatur penelitian pendidikan sejarah Indonesia. Hal ini membuka ruang untuk diskusi lebih lanjut mengenai dampak memori anti-Belanda terhadap identitas nasional dan kebebasan aktual di Indonesia.