Indonesian Cultures and Politics

This subject addresses the dynamics of social, cultural, and political change in modern Indonesia in relation to broader social developments and changing global contexts. Using an interdisciplinary perspective, the subject traces cultural, political and social change in Indonesia from the late colonial period and rise of nationalism, through to the early post-colonial period and authoritarian New Order, to the current democratic era as well as its contestations. Questions addressed in this subject include: what are the most prominent ideas, sources of tensions and contradictions in Indonesian political and cultural life? What are the key social issues in Indonesia today, and how are these debates related to broader changes in Indonesian society? How have domestic social and political transformations in Indonesia been intertwined with changing global contexts and changes? How are developments in Indonesia relevant to the broader region and Australia? This subject is taught in English.