Paper short abstract:

This research delves into the role of art exhibitions in interpreting decolonised history, focusing on Indonesian museums. It emphasises their potential to engage with global issues and examines methods to convey historical narratives, highlighting art's power for learning and interpretation.

Paper long abstract:

This research examines the pivotal role of art exhibitions in assisting interpretations of decolonised history, specifically focusing on the correlation between artworks and artefacts exhibited in Indonesian museums, private and public, and ongoing efforts and emphasising the practical aspects of designing and organising exhibitions programs and their potential to engage with complex global issues such as decolonisation —the collaborative and interdisciplinary nature of exhibitions' programs and the educational impact of these initiatives. Indonesian museums have progressively incorporated education resources as handouts for educators and formed partnerships with educational institutions to attend public discussions with artists and discipline experts. These attempts have built pathways for collaborative learning and redefining the historical meanings of the exhibition's audiences. This study also accentuates the evolving landscape of decolonisation, particularly within postcolonial countries like Indonesia. Through case studies, we scrutinise the methods employed by these art exhibitions to convey historical narratives, giving meaning-making opportunities for audiences within educational frames, fostering critical decolonised thinking skills and influencing the appreciation and preservation of marginalised histories. This research underscores art's potential as a powerful tool for historical interpretation and education by addressing the associated challenges and ethical considerations.