Indonesian Labour migration to north Australia, 1880-1972

Julia Martínez

Research program: Australia in the Asia-Pacific

This project analyses migration from the Netherlands East Indies/Indonesia to Australia in the context of the administration of the White Australia policy. From 1880-1971 Indonesians were indentured into the Australian pearl industry in a controversial exception to White Australia. After 1958, their applications for citizenship challenged official thinking on Asian migration. Using personal stories, found in immigration files, newspapers and citizenship interviews, this project explores Indonesian-Australian relations from the bottom up, recognising how individual stories have shaped international relations. Funded by the Australian Research Council (ARC) for three years (2007-2009) this research project highlights the importance of cross-border research as a means of enriching Australian history and enhancing our cultural capital in relation to our northern neighbours.

Contact:

Dr Julia Martinez
School of History and Politics
Faculty of Arts
University of Wollongong NSW 2522
AUSTRALIA
Tel: +61-2-4221 5666
Fax: +61-2-4228 6313
Email: juliam@uow.edu.au

Professor Adrian Vickers
Professor of Southeast Asian Studies
School of Languages and Cultures
Rm 637, Brennan Building A18
Faculty of Arts
The University of Sydney NSW 2006
AUSTRALIA
Tel: + 61-2-9351 2878
Fax: + 61-2-9351 2319
Email: adrian.vickers@arts.usyd.edu.au