Unit 10: Indonesian Political Life Flashcards
A.H. Nasution
Twice appointed as Army Chief of Staff. After the establishment of the Revolutionary Government by the Outer Island dissidents in 1958, Naution successfully enforced the military campaign and repressed the rebels. Benefited from the campaign, Nasution set out a political doctrine termed the “Middle Way”, in which the army stood in the middle, having both a military and a civil-political role. He allied with Sukarno in the establishment of guided democracy. During the Semptember 30 movement in 1965, Nasuton escaped the coup attempt.
Abangan
The Abangan are the population of Javanese Muslims who practice a more syncretic version of Islam than the more orthodox santri. Abangan are more inclined to follow a local system of beliefs called adat than pure Sharia (Islamic law). Their belief system integrates Hinduism, Buddhism and Animist traditions.
Aceh
Located on the northern tip of the island of Sumatra. It is thought to have been in Aceh where Islam was first established in Southeast Asia. Aceh has a history of politicalindependence and fierce resistance to control by outsiders, including the former Dutch colonists and the Indonesian government. Aceh has substantial natural resources, including oil and gas - some estimates put Aceh gas reserves as being the largest in the world. Relative to most of Indonesia, it is a religiously conservative area.
Asian Financial Crisis
he financial crisis that began in Thailand and gripped much of Asia in July 1997, raising fears of a worldwide economic meltdown. During the crisis, most of Southeast Asia and Japan saw slumping currencies, devalued stock markets and a precipitous rise in private debt. The issue of political leadership also had a negative effect on the situation. As the crisis worsened, student-led demonstrations against Suharto mounted in the major cities. In May 1998, Suharto resigned the Presidency.
Banten (1926 Communist uprising)
Banten has remained remote, long considered part of the “outer regions”. The influence of the religious elite was exceptionally strong in Bantenese society. In 1926, the opposition to burdening taxation was mobilized into action in the belief that the colonial oppressor could be overthrown. The people believed that they were part of a nationwide revolution under the leadership of the PKI. In fact, besides banten only west Sumatra arose. The revolt was no challenge to Dutch power. It was put down by the Dutch government and 1300 people were arrested in Banten.
Confrontation with Malaysia
Indonesia’s political and armed opposition to the creation of Malaysia during 1962-1966. Sukarno called the confrontation a classic illustration of the conflict between the New Emerging Forces and the Old Established Forces. Initial Indonesian attacks into East Malaysia relied heavily on local volunteers. In 1965, several Indonesian operations into West Malaysia rendered no military success. In August 1966, following Indonesian President Suharto’s rise to power, a peace agreement took effect as the Indonesia accepted the existence of Malaysia.
Cultivation System
Second phase of Dutch colonial involvement (1=monopoly, 2=cultivation, 3=private investment, 4=ethical policy) natives must work a certain percent of their land to pay dutch taxes; very succeptible to corruption; extremely profitable. Abuses of the system are uncovered/publicized by Max Havilar (?), which leads to the eventual dismantling of the system
Dual functions (Military)
Idea that the military in Indonesia was both the guardian of the state and the culture of Indonesia: it thus had a role to play not only within governent but also outside of it.
East Timor
Former Portuguese colony. The New Order’s peaceful veneer was shattered by the invasion of East Timor. One of the regions that began to turn to separatism during Suharto’s reign. In 1976, Indonesians simply took over the island, 60,000 people were killed. The incorporation of East Timor into the republic is complicated. Jakarta was concerned that an independent east Timor would be politically unstable and liable to a communist regime that would unsettle Indonesia.
Ethical Policy
1901 until Japan’s occupation in 1942. In 1901, the Liberal Party in the Netherlands was replaced by a coalition of rightist and religious parties. The Queen’s speech declared an “ethical obligation and moral responsibility” to Indonesians. The aim was to raise the welfare of the Indonesian population and spread superior Dutch morals and culture. New programs were developed in Indonesia as a result, such as reforms in public administration. However, the Policy did not achieve its objectives, but instead it did see an expansion in educational facilities. Was largely dissolved by the Great Depression.
Gestapu Affair of 1965
By the mid-1960s, the conflict between the army and the PKI had become the dominant theme in Indonesian politics. In 1965, PKI youth organizations kidnapped 6 senior army officials and killed them. Others then seized control and under the pretense of protecting the president. However, General Suharto was not captured, and his troops confronted the rebels and established his “New Order” government. The PKI was shattered, its leaders killed or imprisoned. The army was firmly entrenched in power.
Golkar
Sekbar Golkar. Political organization established to mobilise support for the government in competition with the existing political parties. Was initially ineffective. However, in the late 1960s and 1970s, the government made efforts to boost support for Golkar. These efforts were rewarded in 1971 when Golcar won over half of the votes cast in the first elections held post-1965. Golkar continues to capture the majority of the popular vote.
Guided Democracy
The political system in place in Indonesia from 1957 until the New Order began in1966. It was the brainchild of President Sukarno, and was an attempt to bring about political stability. Instead, he sought a system based on the traditional village system of discussion and consensus, which occurred under the guidance of village elders.
Indo or Eurasian
People of mixed Dutch and Indonesian Descent. The outnumbered the ethnic Dutch in Indonesian, accounting for 75% of the European community in Java in 1900. Were not fully accepted by either of their communities: Dutch or Indonesian. Majority were middle-ranking clerical positions, somewhere between the Dutch at the top and the Indonesians at the lower positions. Had higher levels of western education and better use of Dutch which gave them the edge over Indonesians. However, at the onset of the 20th century, Indonesians began to acquire education as a result of the ethical policy, thus Eurasians were threatened by the Indonesians, creating a wedge between both communities.
Irian Jaya (West Papua)
Province. Site of a purpose-built prison camp. Many important political prisoners were sent here, including Mohammad Hatta (the man who proclaimed Indonesian independence with Sukarno) and Sutan Sjahrir, the Republic’s first prime minister. Nearly 1000 people were sent here after the communist strikes of 1925 . Became a symbol of the struggle for Indonesian independence, thus explains the postwar Indonesian governments’ insistence that Irian Jaya is part of the Republic of Indonesia.
