Master in Het Indonesische Beeld Van Het Verleden

Tuition fees are 3,795 USD per year.

Nationalist narratives often depict the Indonesian archipelago as a land of flourishing pre-colonial civilizations, yet this contrasts sharply with the somber perception of the colonial era as an intermezzo defined by Western and Japanese exploitation. This course invites participants to critically examine these diverging historical interpretations, contrasting the Indonesian perspective with traditional Dutch views of the past.

Through a series of ten lectures, the programme explores how historical memory has been curated and maintained. It delves into the post-1949 era under presidents Soekarno and Soeharto, where the national narrative emphasized a perpetual resistance against colonialism and the savior role of the military. Even after the democratic transition in 1998, these core elements of the national myth remained deeply embedded in the social consciousness, even as contemporary Indonesian historians began to refine and re-evaluate their nation's complex history.

Exploring the Indonesian Historical Lens

Participants will gain a nuanced understanding of how historical identity is constructed. By analyzing the shift from state-sanctioned historical dogma to the more critical reflections of modern scholars, this course provides a unique vantage point on how a nation reconciles its pre-colonial grandeur, its traumatic colonial experience, and its modern democratic identity.

Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam is a research-led university situated in the heart of Amsterdam, founded in 1880 and welcoming more than 31,700 students including a large international cohort. Its long history combines academic tradition with modern interdisciplinary teaching across social sciences, humanities, law, business, and sciences. English-taught bachelor and master programs make it accessible to international applicants seeking a high-quality European education in a dynamic urban setting.

The university emphasizes research excellence and societal impact, with numerous institutes and centers that connect students to real-world challenges. Small-group teaching, problem-based learning options, and close supervision at graduate level support academic growth. International students can take advantage of dedicated services for visa advice, housing support, language courses, and career guidance that ease transition and enhance employability in the Netherlands and beyond.

Student life blends campus facilities with Amsterdam cultural vitality, including museums, startups, and multinational companies that offer internships and networking. Affordable public transport and a bicycle-friendly environment make daily life straightforward while campus clubs and student associations help newcomers build a community. Prospective international students should research program entry requirements early, prepare application documents and funding plans, and reach out to the international office to plan arrival and accommodation.