“I feel different though”: Narratives of young Indonesian Muslims in Australian public schools

This article examines six Indonesian Muslim youth’s narratives and those of their parents in relation to their experiences of being Muslim in Australian public schools. Previous studies on similar issue found a certain degree of exclusion and discrimination for being Muslims in public school, this present article however, perceives Muslims’ experience differently. The interview data and their written protocols suggest that while prejudicial sentiments may emerge within the lives at Australian public schools, Indonesian Muslim youth gain a certain degree of enjoyment being Muslims in those schools. This is so because participants in this study report that rarely do they encounter severe exclusions or discriminations. The research provides insights into the ways in which Indonesian Muslim youths construct their sense of religious identity within the Australian public schools. It also briefly analyses Muslim parents’ rational for sending their children to Australian public schools. Findings of this study also will enrich literature on migrant communities and their experiences in Australia.