Reimagining Bandung child: Connecting the spirit of Bandung conference and childhood studies in Indonesia

Abstract

This paper proposes the concept of the “Bandung child” as a socio-cultural identity shaped by the intersections of colonial legacies, decolonial struggle, and local Indonesian values. The term “Bandung” was selected because the first anti-colonial conference was held at Bandung, Indonesia, in 1955. The conference is a symbol of decolonial history for Asian and African countries. Hence, in this context, the name “Bandung” refers to the paradigms that are adopted rather than a particular location. Drawing on post-colonial and decolonial theories, this paper re-examines the narratives and representations of childhood not only in Bandung but also in Indonesia and Global South countries. This paper critiques universalist and Western-centric approaches to childhood studies, highlighting the importance of localised, culturally relevant frameworks. Hence, the paper contributes to childhood and decolonial studies by drawing on the spirit of Bandung to reimagine different ways of understanding children and childhood by reclaiming local values while navigating global influences, thereby representing a fluid, post-colonial subjectivity.