Introduction

Nation-building in Indonesia started in the period of Dutch colonialism, especially during the Indonesian nationalist movement before World War II. But the systematic measures adopted by the state only took place after independence. Nevertheless, the nation-building process in Indonesia has not been smooth. Although, generally, many ethnic groups have identified themselves with the “Indonesian nation”, ethnic tension and conflict continue, particularly in the three provinces of Aceh, Irian Jaya, and Maluku as well as East Timor, which left Indonesia recently. The intensity of conflict has increased in the last decade, coinciding with the end of the Cold War and the globalization of the Indonesian economy. As a result, some observers have commented that Indonesia may now be at the nation-destroying stage. The departure of East Timor has been cited as proof of this. Amien Rais, a leading opposition leader, has compared the Indonesian situation to that of Yugoslavia, warning of the danger of national disintegration.

This chapter analyses the rise of Indonesian nationalism, its nature, and its relations with Western colonialism. It discusses the development of a modern Indonesian nation, its relationship with the citizenry, and various measures adopted by the indigenous dominated government to foster nation-building. The position of the ethnic Chinese in this new nation is also examined. The impact of globalization, on the Indonesian state and nation, is also discussed: Is globalization destroying the concept of a modern Indonesian nation? Are the concepts of the Indonesian nation and nationalism still relevant in the face of globalization? Will Indonesia disintegrate?

Indonesian Nation and Nationalism: Its Origins and Developments

Indonesia is a multi-ethnic, multiracial and multireligious state. There are at least 250 ethnic groups, of which all but three are “indigenous” groups. They all have a homeland within Indonesia to identify with. Of these indigenous groups, the Javanese form about 47 per cent of the population. Five other indigenous groups each consist of more than 2 per cent of the Indonesian population: Sundanese (15 per cent) Madurese (7 per cent), Minangkabau (3.5 per cent), Buginese (3 per cent) and Balinese (2 per cent). There are foreign “racial” groups — the Chinese, Arabs, and Indians — of which the Chinese form the majority (3 per cent). Among these groups, there are at least six major religions (Islam, Protestantism, Catholic, Hindu-Bali, Buddhism and Confucianism) but 87 per cent of the Indonesian population are Muslims.