Semarang, September 23, 2025 – The History Education Study Program, Faculty of Social Sciences and Political Science (FISIP), Universitas Negeri Semarang (UNNES), held a Visiting Lecture themed “Unraveling Political Domination in the Construction of Indonesian History” on Tuesday (9/23) at the C7 Building Auditorium, 3rd Floor, FISIP UNNES. The event featured two distinguished speakers: Prof. Bilveer Singh, M.A., Ph.D., Associate Professor at the Department of Political Science, National University of Singapore (NUS), who presented “Indonesia Modern History and the Future of Democracy”, and Dr. Tsabit Azinar Ahmad, S.Pd., M.Pd., lecturer at the History Education Program, FISIP UNNES, who delivered “Politics of Reconciliation and Democratization in Indonesian Historiography.”
In his presentation, Prof. Bilveer Singh explored the trajectory of Indonesia’s modern history, which is deeply intertwined with political dynamics, from colonialism to the country’s democratic transition. He emphasized the importance of critical historical awareness, encouraging younger generations to understand patterns of power and nurture a healthier democracy in the future. Meanwhile, Dr. Tsabit Azinar Ahmad discussed how reconciliation politics and democratization have shaped the writing of Indonesian history. He highlighted that history should not merely serve as a record of the past but must be recontextualized to support the development of a democratic and inclusive nation.
The event was attended by students, lecturers, and academics from various disciplines who enthusiastically engaged in discussions on the intersection of history and politics. Through this academic forum, students were encouraged to think critically, not simply accepting historical narratives passively, but understanding how historical constructions are influenced by political power and domination. The presence of international scholars also provided fresh perspectives on Indonesia’s position within the global political and democratic landscape, enriching the academic experience for UNNES History Education students.
This Visiting Lecture aligns strongly with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). By strengthening critical and contextual history education, the activity supports SDG 4: Quality Education, providing students with enriching learning experiences that sharpen their analytical and reflective skills. Discussions on reconciliation and democratization also contribute to SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions, fostering an inclusive, fair, and socially just society through a more objective understanding of history.
Furthermore, the presence of Prof. Bilveer Singh from NUS reinforces UNNES’s international academic network, supporting SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals. This cross-country collaboration in scholarly forums creates opportunities to enhance the study of Indonesian history while strengthening UNNES’s position as a globally competitive university committed to advancing knowledge and sustainable development.
