‘…this volume brings up important insights into the epistemologies, framings, and methodological approaches in Indonesian studies, not only showcasing the diversity within this study field but also elements of specificity characterising the Australian contribution to it.’ Vincent Houben, Bijdragen tot de Taal-, Land- en Volkenkunde, volume 170, issue 4 2014. Read the full review.
This is the first book in almost two decades to bring together scholars of Indonesia from the Australian academy in a single volume to reflect on and engage in a deep critique of their field. This is a timely contribution. The importance of Indonesia to Australia has never been more acute and it is essential that we have the tools for interpreting and understanding our nearest neighbour. Investigation of debates within the field of Indonesian studies will help us interpret better the perceptions and politics informing our study.
As is befitting the multi-disciplinary nature of Indonesian studies, the book brings together leading political scientists, historians and anthropologists to give their unique perspectives and analysis of this field in the Australian academy and elsewhere in the West. This approach results in some divergent views on the fundamental questions of how Indonesia should be studied and the uses of Indonesia knowledge for activism, and presents new ideas about how we might pursue our work in the future.
Contents
Introduction: Knowing Indonesia from Australia
Jemma Purdey
Morally Engaged: Herb Feith and the Study of Indonesia
Jemma Purdey
Ways of Knowing Indonesia: The Personal Journey of an Academic and Activist
Lea Jellinek
(Indonesian) History and its uses: Theory, Lessons, Activism, and Policy
Robert Elson
The Politics of Studying Indonesian Politics: Intellectuals, Political Research and Public Debate in Australia
Edward Aspinall
Contending Perspectives in the Australian Academy: A View from Indonesia
Bob S. Hadiwinata
Finding a Middle Way: The Future of Indonesian Studies in the Western Academy
Heather Sutherland
Shared Problems, Shared Interests: Reframing Australia–Indonesia Security Relations
Richard Tanter
