Romadi Romadi, Ganda Febri Kurniawan, Arif Purnomo
Students’ understanding of Japan’s arrival in Indonesia during the Pacific Wartime (1942–45) sparks a sharp conflict in narratives: was Japan a savior or an invader? This study reveals how official school narratives in Indonesia glorify Japan’s role, clashing with family stories of suffering caused by forced labor (romusha). Using a qualitative approach, the research highlights the ambiguous role of Japan as both victim and perpetrator, shaping students’ complex and diverse national identities. These findings urge curriculum reform for a more inclusive and honest engagement with this controversial historical legacy. © The Author(s), 2026. Published by Cambridge University Press.-Pacific Journal, Inc The Author(s)
Department of History Education, Universitas Negeri Semarang, Indonesia; Department of Social Studies Education, Universitas Negeri Semarang, Indonesia
