Universitas Gadjah Mada EXPLORING NEW FUTURES FOR INDONESIAN OBJECTS
Dismantling Colonial Knowledge Production
and Recovering Lost Histories and Memories
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Reclaiming Narratives: Recovering Histories and the South-South Approach to Dismantling Colonial Knowledge

  • seminar
  • Oleh: New Futures For Indonesian Objects
Comitee : Department of History, Universitas Gadjah Mada in cooperation with consortiumpartners of New Futures for Indonesian Objects
Location : Room S709, Soegondo Building, Faculty of Cultural Sciences, Universitas Gadjah Mada, Yogyakarta
Contact : pastfutureheritage.fib.ugm@gmail.com
+6283891458220 (Ayu Wulandari)
Website : https://pastfutureheritage.fib.ugm.ac.id/
Date : Thursday, 09 July 2026

The programme will bring together consortium partners, external speakers, and local communities to discuss cultural objects with colonial contexts. While using the Lombok War booty as a case study, the program will also address broader questions about other cultural objects and their afterlives.

The seminar will discuss several key points including how colonial classifications continue to shape objects management, rethink provenance research as a site of restitution, and consider how returned objects contribute to memory-making, healing, and repair, especially for the local communities that separated from their ancestral objects. Featuring perspectives from Indonesia, Nigeria, Sri Lanka, and source communities, the seminar also will offer South-South approach to challenge colonial structures embedded in cultural objects.

To enrich the discussion, the seminar opens limited seats to the public on 9 July. The session will offer presentations from consortium members and invited speakers, covering a range of topics from memory production to efforts of return of the Lombok War booty and other cultural objects from Indonesia, Nigeria, and Sri Lanka. Registration will be open from 12 to 19 June 2026, via bit.ly/reclaimingnarratives2026.

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📢 Meet the Speakers of “Reclaiming Narratives”! “ 📢 Meet the Speakers of “Reclaiming Narratives”!

“Reclaiming Narratives: Recovering Histories and the South-South Approach to Dismantling Colonial Knowledge”

We’re excited to introduce our speakers for the public seminar, bringing together critical perspectives on memory, restitution, and decolonial approaches across the Global South. Swipe left to meet the speakers!

🗓 9 July 2026
⏱️ 08.30–16.00 WIB
📍 Room S709, Soegondo Building, Faculty of Cultural Sciences, Universitas Gadjah Mada

⚠️ Registration is extended until 25 June 2026!
Secure your seat now:
🔗 bit.ly/reclaimingnarratives2026
📱 Or scan the QR code on the last slide

Visit our website:
🌐 pastfutureheritage.fib.ugm.ac.id

#NewFuturesForIndonesianObjects
#LombokWar
#DecolonizingLombokObjects
#DecolonialFutures
#SejarahUGM
📢 REGISTRATION DEADLINE EXTENDED!!! Public Semina 📢 REGISTRATION DEADLINE EXTENDED!!!

Public Seminar
“Reclaiming Narratives: Recovering Histories and the South-South Approach to Dismantling Colonial Knowledge”

Hear from consortium members and invited speakers as they will explore topics ranging from memory production to the return of Lombok War booty and other cultural objects from Indonesia, Nigeria, and Sri Lanka.

🗓 9 July 2026
⏱️ 08.30-16.00 WIB
📍 Room S709, Soegondo Building, Faculty of Cultural Sciences, Universitas Gadjah Mada

Register now:
🔗 bit.ly/reclaimingnarratives2026
📱 Or scan the QR code on the last slide

🌐 pastfutureheritage.fib.ugm.ac.id

#NewFuturesForIndonesianObjects
#LombokWar
#DecolonizingLombokObjects
#DecolonialFutures
#SejarahUGM
📢 Join the Public Seminar by New Futures for Indon 📢 Join the Public Seminar by New Futures for Indonesian Objects!

“Reclaiming Narratives: Recovering Histories and the South-South Approach to Dismantling Colonial Knowledge”

Hear from consortium members and invited speakers as they will explore topics ranging from memory production to the return of Lombok War booty and other cultural objects from Indonesia, Nigeria, and Sri Lanka.

🗓 9 July 2026
⏱️ 08.30-16.00 WIB
📍 Room S709, Soegondo Building, Faculty of Cultural Sciences, Universitas Gadjah Mada

Register now:
🔗 bit.ly/reclaimingnarratives2026
📱 Or scan the QR code on the last slide

🌐 pastfutureheritage.fib.ugm.ac.id

#NewFuturesForIndonesianObjects
#LombokWar
#DecolonizingLombokObjects
#DecolonialFutures
#SejarahUGM
A recent publication by Aditya Bayu Perdana and Ah A recent publication by Aditya Bayu Perdana and Ahmad Sugeng revisits a painting looted from Cakranegara Palace in 1894, long believed to depict a Mataram prince. More than about one painting, the publication highlights a broader issue, challenging colonial frameworks that have shaped interpretations of looted objects.

Swipe left to get more insight!

Sources: Perdana, Aditya Bayu, and Ahmad Sugeng (2026), “Prince or Pembekel? The Man in the Painting Looted from Cakranegara, Lombok”, in Tijdschrift voor Geschiedenis, 139(1): pp. 4-26.

Image Sources: Leiden University Library & Wereldmuseum

🌐 pastfutureheritage.fib.ugm.ac.id

#NewFuturesForIndonesianObjects
#LombokWar
#DecolonizingLombokObjects
#DecolonialFutures
#SejarahUGM
The return of Lombok objects was not a simple proc The return of Lombok objects was not a simple process. It required careful provenance research, tracing each object to determine what was looted, what was misplaced, and whether it truly originated from Lombok.
Swipe left to learn more about the provenance research.
Sources: (1)Colonial Collections Committee Recommendation, accessed via https://committee.kolonialecollecties.nl/documents/2023/05/12/indonesia.
(2) Tom Quist, “War loot from Lombok (1894) in the collections of NMVW and the Wereldmuseum”, published as an appendix in Colonial Collections Committee Recommendation, accessed via https://committee.kolonialecollecties.nl/documents/2023/05/12/indonesia.

#NewFuturesForIndonesianObjects
#LombokWar #DecolonizingLombokObjects
#DecolonialFutures
#SejarahUGM
The return of Lombok objects was not a simple proc The return of Lombok objects was not a simple process. It required careful provenance research, tracing each object to determine what was looted, what was misplaced, and whether it truly originated from Lombok.
Swipe left to learn more about the provenance research.
Sources: (1)Colonial Collections Committee Recommendation, accessed via https://committee.kolonialecollecties.nl/documents/2023/05/12/indonesia.
(2) Tom Quist, “War loot from Lombok (1894) in the collections of NMVW and the Wereldmuseum”, published as an appendix in Colonial Collections Committee Recommendation, accessed via https://committee.kolonialecollecties.nl/documents/2023/05/12/indonesia.

#NewFuturesForIndonesianObjects
#LombokWar #DecolonizingLombokObjects
#DecolonialFutures
#SejarahUGM
The return of Lombok objects was not a simple proc The return of Lombok objects was not a simple process. It required careful provenance research, tracing each object to determine what was looted, what was misplaced, and whether it truly originated from Lombok.

Swipe left to learn more about the provenance research.

Sources: 
(1) Colonial Collections Committee Recommendation, accessed via https://committee.kolonialecollecties.nl/documents/2023/05/12/indonesia.
(2) Tom Quist, “War loot from Lombok (1894) in the collections of NMVW and the Wereldmuseum”, published as an appendix in Colonial Collections Committee Recommendation, accessed via https://committee.kolonialecollecties.nl/documents/2023/05/12/indonesia.

#NewFuturesForIndonesianObjects
#LombokWar #DecolonizingLombokObjects
#DecolonialFutures
#SejarahUGM
The terminology we use to called the cultural obje The terminology we use to called the cultural objects, historical events, and their return processes shapes the way we understand history itself. 

Through the Consortium Lab with Dr. Sadiah Boonstra (@sadiahcurates), “New Futures for Indonesian Objects” reflected on the meanings behind terms related to the war of 1894 in Lombok, the transfer of cultural objects, and also the objects itself. 

Swipe left for more insight!
🌐 pastfutureheritage.fib.ugm.ac.id

Sources: Rassool, C., & Gibbon, V. E. (2023). "Restitution versus repatriation: Terminology and concepts matter". American Journal of Biological Anthropology, 184(1). Accessed via https://doi.org/10.1002/ajpa.24889. 

#NewFuturesForIndonesianObjects
#LombokWar 
#DecolonizingLombokObjects
#DecolonialFutures
#SejarahUGM
"New Futures for Indonesian Objects" introduces th "New Futures for Indonesian Objects" introduces the Consortium Lab, a monthly discussion forum that creates space for dialogue, reflection, and knowledge exchange on cultural objects. Bringing together consortium members and invited speakers, the Consortium Lab explores diverse perspectives to better understand both the Lombok objects and other cultural objects.

Stay tuned to get more information on our Consortium Lab!
🌐 pastfutureheritage.fib.ugm.ac.id

Image source: Research Documentation

#NewFuturesForIndonesianObjects
#LombokWar
#DecolonizingLombokObjects
#DecolonialFutures
#SejarahUGM
The return of Indonesian cultural objects continue The return of Indonesian cultural objects continues to raise important questions about history, justice, and cultural meaning. 

Based on Dr. Sadiah Boonstra’s work, the return is not just about bringing objects back to Indonesia, but about understanding the long and complex process of debates and negotiations behind the transfer of the objects. Swipe left to gain insights from Dr. Sadiah Boonstra!

🌐 pastfutureheritage.fib.ugm.ac.id

#NewFuturesForIndonesianObjects
#LombokWar
#DecolonizingLombokObjects
#DecolonialFutures
#SejarahUGM
"New Futures for Indonesian Objects” is committed "New Futures for Indonesian Objects” is committed to fostering collaborative research that rethinks and decolonizes knowledge about Indonesian cultural objects. 

In 2025, the consortium held its annual meeting to reflect on the first year of collaboration and to plan future initiatives. From internal consortium labs to upcoming summer seminars, the programme continues to grow as a space for critical dialogue and shared learning.

Swipe left to explore the key discussions and future programmes of the consortium!

🌐 pastfutureheritage.fib.ugm.ac.id
Image source: Research Documentation, Hizkirani Jatiningrum, S.IP & Ayu Wulandari, M.A.

#NewFuturesForIndonesianObjects
#LombokWar1894
#DecolonizingLombokObjects
#DecolonialFutures
#SejarahUGM
“New Futures for Indonesian Objects" is committed “New Futures for Indonesian Objects" is committed to nurturing scholars dedicated to decolonizing knowledge about Indonesian objects. 

Our PhD researcher, Ayu Wulandari, M.A., follows this path by uncovering local knowledge and memories connected to the looted objects from Lombok.

Swipe left to explore her ideas and the progress of her research!

🌐 pastfutureheritage.fib.ugm.ac.id

Image source: Personal and research documentation, Hizkirani Jatiningrum, S.IP & Ayu Wulandari, M.A.

#NewFuturesForIndonesianObjects
#LombokWar
#DecolonizingLombokObjects
#DecolonialFutures
#SejarahUGM
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Recent Posts

  • Seminar Registration “Reclaiming Narratives” Now Open
    June 13, 2026
  • Unpacking Debates on the Return of Indonesian Cultural Objects: Insights from Sadiah Boonstra
    April 24, 2026
  • Consortium Meeting of 2025: Developing New Programmes in New Futures for Indonesian Objects
    April 17, 2026
Universitas Gadjah Mada

EXPLORING NEW FUTURES FOR INDONESIAN OBJECTS
DISMANTLING COLONIAL KNOWLEDGE PRODUCTION AND RECOVERING LOST HISTORIES AND MEMORIES

Contact Uspastfutureheritage.fib.ugm@gmail.com

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