Postgraduate Lunchtime Seminar: Historical Memory of Aceh Chinese and Its Impact on Identity and Belonging

In a corner of Indonesia’s Aceh province, the Chinese community holds a unique and intricate history that often goes unnoticed.

Through her current research project, Chontida Auikool, PhD candidate from Lund University, explores the memories and narratives that shape the lives of the Aceh Chinese community.

By investigating both historical events and contemporary experiences, this project aims to uncover the nuanced perspectives and lived realities of this community. The research focuses on key periods that have significantly impacted the Aceh Chinese population. Among these are the anti-communist massacre of 1965-1966, the protracted conflict between the Free Aceh Movement (GAM) and the Indonesian state from 1976 to 2005, and the devastating 2004 tsunami. It also examines their existence and adjustments since the 2005 peace agreement, which granted Aceh a special autonomous status.

Employing multimodal methodologies, the study seeks to provide a deeper understanding of the socio-cultural dynamics, identity formations, and resilience within the Aceh Chinese community. By exploring these multifaceted narratives, the research contributes to a broader comprehension of how historical events have shaped the community’s identity and roles within society.

The post-conflict scenario in Aceh is a significant focus, particularly in understanding how the Aceh Chinese construct and negotiate their belonging within an Islamic region. The study argues that, in the complex politics of memory, certain difficult aspects of their past are selectively forgotten by both the community itself and others, as a means of negotiating identity and belonging. However, despite these acts of unremembering, remnants of these memories persist subtly and continue to influence daily life.

This research not only highlights the resilience and adaptability of the Aceh Chinese community but also opens a window into the broader themes of memory, identity, and integration within the diverse tapestry of Indonesian society.

This seminar was chaired by Dr Ken M.P. Setiawan, Senior Lecturer in Indonesian Studies and Convenor of the Indonesian Studies Program at the Asia Institute, The University of Melbourne.

About the author

Chontida Auikool is currently pursuing a PhD at the Centre for East and Southeast Asian Studies, within the joint faculties of Humanities and Theology at Lund University, Sweden. She has a background in Southeast Asian Studies and obtained her B.A. and M.A. degrees from Thammasat University, Bangkok, Thailand.

She received the Darmasiswa scholarship, allowing her to reside in Medan, North Sumatra and this experience sparked her interest in the Chinese Indonesian communities in Medan and motivated her to continue her research project in Aceh, Indonesia, for her PhD thesis.

  • Event Details

    Tuesday, 21 May, 2024 (13:00-14:00)

    Room 321, Level 3
    Sidney Myer Asia Centre (Building 158)