On March 8, 2024, I had the honor of speaking at the International Webinar for Javanese Youth, organized by the Javanology Department at Universitas Sebelas Maret. The other distinguished speakers included Morgan Djotaroeno, Muthia Putri-Meilania, and Esther Poredjo. This event was held in celebration of International Women’s Day.
In December 2023, I visited Universitas Sebelas Maret in Solo, where we discussed the urgency of engaging with and connecting the younger generation of the Javanese diaspora. We had a meaningful conversation aimed at empowering the Javanese diaspora, supported by the Javanese community in Indonesia.
As a member of the first generation not born and raised under colonial rule, I shared in this vulnerable presentation how colonialism continues to affect me and how I am reclaiming my identity, with support from my recently reconnected family. My journey of identity plays an integral role in my community work in the highly individualistic society of the Netherlands. How can I serve others and support the community’s path to emancipation if I, as an individual, have not yet begun to free myself from the legacy of colonialism? My journey continues, and I feel honored to have shared it so far. I look forward to sharing more about new developments and knowledge in the future.