International knowledge cooperation History of Slavery, Indonesia, Suriname & South Africa

The Royal Netherlands Institute of Southeast Asian and Caribbean Studies (KITLV) has been commissioned by the Dutch Ministry of Education, Culture, and Science to advance international knowledge cooperation regarding the history of slavery in Indonesia, South Africa, and Suriname. 

The history of slavery and its after-effects have impacted societies and communities in Suriname, Indonesia, and South Africa in various ways. This has led to differing perspectives on the colonial slavery past in these nations. As a result, this "plurality" exists both in the complex history of slavery itself and in the ways it is addressed. 

The knowledge cooperation aims to decenter Eurocentric perspectives and research biases regarding the history of Dutch colonial slavery. The international knowledge cooperation concerning the history of slavery will be conducted by local researchers residing in the three countries based will be shaped around  local needs.

KITLV coordinates the program’s process and facilitates the knowledge collaboration by mobilizing existing networks and local infrastructure. The program is scheduled to run from 2024 to 2027.