Indonesia: History, Heritage, Culture offers a concise, engaging
introduction to the historical, political and cultural dynamics of
Indonesia, the world's fourth most populous nation and home to the
world's largest and most diverse Muslim population. Interweaving brief,
anthropologically-informed stories of aspects of everyday life in
Indonesia with broader historical accounts of this region, Indonesia:
History, Heritage, Culture provides textured insights into this vibrant
and dynamic archipelago.
Inter-cultural encounters and exchanges as well as globalization are
central to Indonesia's story. Adams organizes the book historically, yet
each chapter spotlights how the past resonates in contemporary times.
Each chapter open with an image or object that lends insights into a
particular era in Indonesia's history. Chapters highlight Indonesia's
natural landscape, linguistic and cultural diversity, prehistory, eras
of Hindu, Buddhist, and Islamic influence, as well as Chinese and
European precolonial trade dynamics. Also addressed are the rise of
Dutch colonialism in the archipelago, the Japanese Occupation during
World War II, and the struggle for Indonesian independence. Additional
chapters cover Indonesia's more recent periods of Guided Democracy, the
New Order, and Reformasi, and the final chapter reflects on
Indonesia's current challenges and promises for the future.