| Summary: | The surge in controversial history on Indonesian historiography is worth critical scrutiny.Some of
the most turbulent events including Serangan Umum Satu Maret (1 March Attack) of 1949, Gerakan 30 September (30 September Movement) of 1965, Surat Perintah Sebelas Maret (11 March Instruction) of 1966 and Indonesian killings after 1965 had caused immense unease in social-political role of Indonesian armed forces and human rights violations.Within the turmoil, the vast majority of society suffered from growing tension and confusion.For that reason, this paper meticulously analyzes the anatomy of controversial history, defined as several versions of writing, in Indonesia.In this regard, an issue is deemed controversial when personal, communal, and political interest evokes emotional engagement.In historiography, there are two causal factors namely methodological mistake and sociopolitical interest.They result in, furthermore, two main characteristics.The first type is academic controversial history with varied historians’ interpretation on the investigated sources.The second type revolves around sociopolitical controversial of which natures are personal, social, cultural and political.It is deeply rooted in conflict of interests associated with individuals or community.Far too often, some of them were the perpetrators or stakeholders who exercise power to legitimate their domination in history.The relationship between knowledge and power can be best illustrated by the publication of the official history and the prohibited alternatives.To my view, such sociopolitical controversies would inevitably ignite debates in wider society.
|
|---|