Affiliation: University of Melbourne
Discipline: History, heritage and archaeology
Year elected: 2023
How would you describe your work at a dinner party?
I am interested in memory activism or how different actors mobilise the past for different ends especially for the purposes of challenging harmful historical discourses and achieving meaningful social change.
What initially drew you to your field of study?
A trip to Indonesia when I was aged 20 implanted in me a deep fascination for this country that has never left me.
Tell us about a recent moment of motivation or inspiration?
Participating in the Jakarta International Literary Fair last November was highly stimulating especially to hear the thoughts of incredible and creative young thinkers and writers in Indonesia tackling and resisting diverse issues such as climate change, state violence and multiple forms of oppression.
What are you most proud of?
My PhD students and seeing them do well in their careers. In addition I am most satisfied when I am able to see my work have genuine impact such as new scholarly interest in a topic I have helped open up such as the 1965 violence in Indonesia or on the history of the Indonesia so called comfort women and related transnational activism.
Where is your ‘happy’ place?
Indonesia, including travelling to new parts of Indonesia with my family that I have not yet visited.