Performing the Nation : Cultural Politics in New Order Indonesia

In sharp contrast to today's disorder was the apparent cohesion and stability of Indonesia during much of the New Order period (1965-1998). While Suharto's authoritarian rule was significant, the regime's cultural policies also played their part in demonstrating that his regime created order throughout Indonesia not just through coercive means. Ethnic, religious, and regional sentiments were to be channelled into art, which was used to help develop a national Indonesian identity. This theme is explored by this study, which focuses on the efforts of a group of young art students based at the Bandung Academy of Performing Arts to revitalize traditional Longser theater.Hellman, Jorgen is the author of 'Performing the Nation : Cultural Politics in New Order Indonesia', published 2003 under ISBN 9780700716784 and ISBN 0700716785.