Collective Memory and Local Civic Identity: Reinterpreting the Rengasdengklok Event for Strengthening Historical Consciousness in Karawang

Abstract

This study aims to examine how the people of Karawang collectively interpret the Rengasdengklok event and how such interpretations can be leveraged to enhance historical awareness and construct a reflective, locally grounded civic identity. The Rengasdengklok incident, which played a pivotal role in Indonesia’s struggle for independence, holds significant symbolic value for the local community. However, its transformative potential remains largely untapped in civic education an public discourse. Using a qualitative phenomenological approach, data were collected through in-depth interviews, non-participant observations, and document analysis involving educators, youth, community leaders, and cultural actors in Karawang. The findings show that the collective memory of the Rengasdengklok event is shaped by historical narratives, emotional attachment, and shared experiences. Values such as civic courage, responsibility, and national awareness are reflected in local interpretations of the event. Nevertheless, these values are not yet systematically integrated into formal education, cultural policies, or everyday civic practices. The study also reveals that public engagement with the historical site is often ceremonial, with limited opportunities for critical reflection and intergenerational dialogue. This research highlights the importance of reviving and contextualizing local historical narratives as tools for building civic awareness and fostering a stronger sense of belonging. It recommends incorporating local history into participatory civic education, encouraging community-based historical storytelling, and designing inclusive cultural programs to connect historical memory with civic identity development in postcolonial societies.