Lecture Notes on Peter Carey's Journey and Perspectives on Life, Identity, and History

Introduction

• Discussion on the meaning of life and death.
• Importance of understanding the broader human experience beyond intellect.

About Dr. Peter Carey

• Emeritus Fellow at Oxford University Trinity College.
• Former adjunct professor at Universitas Indonesia until 2023.
• Prolific writer with numerous publications.

Early Life and Background

• Born in Burma in 1948, the same year as its independence.
• Grew up in an international household, with parents from diverse backgrounds.
• Immigration to the UK at age 7 in 1955 due to political changes in Burma.

First Encounters with Indonesia

• Initial visit to Indonesia in 1970 on a cargo ship.
• Returned in 1971 as a graduate student, developing a connection with the culture.
• Experiences shaped by both intellectual pursuit and spiritual journey.

Academic Journey

• Studied at Oxford; received an English speaking union scholarship to Cornell.
• Early academic interest sparked by discussions with professors.
• Prof. Richard Cobb advised him to look into the impact of the French Revolution in Java.

Eureka Moments

1. On the lawn in Balliol College - Realization of research opportunities.
2. In Olin Library - Decided to focus on Diponogoro, a significant Javanese historical figure.
3. In New Orleans dock - Inspiration to visit Indonesia directly.

Experiences in Indonesia

• Travelled to Indonesia on a Jakarta Lloyd boat, experiencing diverse cultures onboard.
• Near-death experience due to appendicitis during maritime travels.
• Involved in cultural and scholarly engagements in Java.

Spiritual Journey and Historical Perspectives

• Not just an academic approach, but a deep spiritual engagement with the local culture.
• Rasa (feeling) as an essential part of understanding Javanese experiences.
• Discussion about the significance of Javanese identity and spirituality.

Cultural Significance of Inscriptions

• Discussion on the Sanguran and Pujangan inscriptions taken by British colonialists.
• Importance of repatriating cultural artifacts to restore historical integrity.
• Historical context of artifacts and their significance to Indonesian heritage.

The Role of Indonesia in Global Context

• Indonesia's historical contributions to various fields, including earth sciences.
• The need for Indonesia to reclaim its narrative and understand its historical significance.

Challenges and Opportunities for Indonesia

• Importance of education and scholarly integrity for progress.
• The role of leadership in addressing corruption and fostering a conducive research environment.
• Emphasis on internal decolonization of the mind and fostering national pride.

Conclusion

• Indonesia as a unique space bridging intellect and spirituality.
• The significance of Rasa in understanding humanity and the broader cosmic role of Indonesians.
• Encouragement to embrace a multifaceted identity and contribute positively to the global community.