Youth, Museums, and Ownership of the Past—Reimagining Education Through the Java Man and Repatriation

• In Event: Virtual Poster Session
  In Virtual iPresentation Only: SIG-Decolonial, Postcolonial, and Anti-Colonial Studies in Education Virtual Poster Session

Abstract

This paper explores the intersections of youth engagement, museum education, and the repatriation of Indonesian cultural artifacts. Drawing from collaborative work at Museum Multatuli and broader restitution discourse, it examines how historical narratives and colonial legacies shape public understanding and educational practices. By emphasizing the concept of pusaka (heirlooms) and the case of the Java Man while integrating participatory, youth-centered approaches--the paper advocates for reimagining museums as inclusive spaces for decolonial dialogue and community-driven learning. It concludes with strategies for amplifying youth voices in heritage work and educational programming.

Author

• Joel E. Berends, Michigan State University