Since the Bali bombings of 2002 and the rise of political Islam, Indonesia has frequently occupied media headlines. Nevertheless, the history of the fourth largest country on earth remains relatively unknown. Adrian Vickers' book, first published in 2005, traces the history of an island country, comprising some 240 million people, from the colonial period through revolution and independence to the present. Framed around the life story of Pramoedya Ananta Toer, Indonesia's most famous and controversial novelist and playwright, the book journeys through the social and cultural mores of Indonesian society, focusing on the experiences of ordinary people. In this new edition, the author brings the story up to date, revisiting his argument as to why Indonesia has yet to realise its potential as a democratic country. He also examines the rise of fundamentalist Islam, which has haunted Indonesia since the fall of Suharto.
- ISBN13 9781107624450
- Publish Date 25 March 2013 (first published 1 January 2005)
- Publish Status Active
- Out of Print 17 June 2022
- Publish Country GB
- Imprint Cambridge University Press
- Edition 2nd Revised edition
- Format Paperback (US Trade)
- Pages 326
- Language English