Learning Injustice: Historical Memory of the Indonesian 1965 Genocide and Education to Young People

Abstract: When a state refuses to confront and resolve its burned history of past abuses by eliminating its unjust narratives and official history, how will the younger generation learn about its nation's dark past? This article attempts to answer this question by looking at several teaching initiatives that emphasize historical memory in Indonesia. The genocide against leftist groups that began in October 1965 is still being denied by the state, even though some elements of civil society, including victims' groups, have tried various efforts to ensure that the state can carry out the transitional justice agenda. By conducting interviews and direct observations, this paper finds some historical justice education initiatives carried out against young people by elements of civil society. This form of education is quite effective in critically building young people's historical understanding and their agency in the community.