Topic 5: Indonesia (1942–2005)

Indonesia is an extensive archipelago of thousands of islands that together constitute the world’s fourth most populous nation. As a result, Indonesia encompasses a wide diversity of ethnic groups, cultures, and languages.

A background study introduces students to how this makes the experience of nationalism and subsequent governments unique as the latter pursue their policy of ‘Unity in Diversity’ (Bhinneka Tunggal Ika). They consider how at each stage of its history (post-colonial, Sukarno, Suharto, and the post-Suharto era), Indonesia engages in economic reform while struggling with the ethnic and political demands of minority groups.

The following are focus areas for study in this topic:

• a nation emerges
• the Suharto years
• ‘Unity in Diversity’ (Bhinneka Tunggal Ika).

Background study

Nascent nationalism

• An overview of Indonesia in 1942 as background for more intensive study of the period, including the Indonesian nationalist movement in the 1930s and the idea of Indonesia as a nation.
• The reasons for the Japanese occupation of Indonesia, the nature of the occupation, and its effects on Indonesian nationalism.
• The declaration of Indonesian independence in 1945.
• The Netherlands’ attempts to re-establish colonial rule.

Focus areas

A nation emerges

• The background, role, and significance of Sukarno’s presidency, including ‘Guided democracy’, the reasons for the growth of the Indonesian Communist Party, and the role of the military.
• The nature and causes of internal divisions in Indonesian society.
• The nature and significance of the 1965 coup, including the mass killings of 1965–66; and the rise to power of Suharto and the army.
• Indonesian foreign policy to 1965, including the Bandung Conference, the confrontation with Malaysia, and the annexation of West Irian.

The Suharto years

• The transmigration program and conflicts between settlers and Indigenous populations, pro-democracy movements, and the reasons for the invasion of East Timor in 1975.
• Separatist movements in Aceh, West Papua, and East Timor.
• The social and economic impact of the 1997 Asian economic crisis.
• The reasons for, and consequences of, the fall of the Suharto Government (1998).

‘Unity in Diversity’ (Bhinneka Tunggal Ika)

• The expansion of democracy with direct elections for parliament (1999) and President (2004).
• The path to independence of East Timor.
• The social and economic impact of the 2004 Tsunami.
• The 2005 Aceh settlement and peace treaty.