Inequality in Indonesia

Term Paper # 102918

Asian Studies

This paper discusses Indonesia and its record of inequality.

2,200 words () | 7 sources | APA | 2008 United States

Paper Summary:

The paper explores why Indonesia has historically lagged behind its Southeast Asian neighbors in reference to equality and human rights, since 1950 to approximately 1996. The paper blames the nation's geographically diverse and multi-ethnic character as an obstacle to equality. The paper also explains that Indonesia suffered greater political repression than most other Asia Pacific Rim countries and this contributed to its generally poor record on equality and human rights.

Outline:
Abstract
Overview
Ongoing and Persistent Issues
Developmental Aspects
Conclusion

From the Paper:

"Indonesia is the 4th most populous nation on the globe and among its many islands Java is the most densely populated island mass known (Foster, 2003). Although there are over 300 various ethnicities across Indonesia, its population can largely be divided into two broad categories: the Western half consists of Malay people which the Eastern half is a mix of Pacific Islanders (Smith, 2005, p.521). Additionally, because of Indonesia's historical trade relationships with China, there are long-established ethnic Chinese inhabitants that are often the target of ethnic and cultural bias. Indonesia's official language is Indonesian and is the lingua franca of the entire region bearing much in common with Malay although some areas of Indonesia still are dominated by other languages."

Sample of Sources Used:

Aspinall, E. (2005). Opposing Suharto: Compromise, Resistance, and Regime Change in Indonesia. Stanford, CA: Stanford University Press.
Brown, C. (2003). A Short History of Indonesia: The Unlikely Nation? Crows Nest, N.S.W.: Allen & Unwin.
Foster, C. (2003, February). Indonesia and West Papua. Contemporary Review, 282, 73+.
Indonesia. (2006). World Fact Book-CIA (online). Retrieved October 5, 2006 from: http://www.cia.gov
Rabasa, A., & Haseman, J. (2002). The Military and Democracy in Indonesia: Challenges, Politics, and Power. Santa Monica, CA: Rand.