Democratization and Ethnic Politics in Indonesia: Nine Theses by Edward Aspinall

These flashcards summarize key concepts and findings from Edward Aspinall's article on the evolution of ethnic politics in Indonesia post-1998.

What is the overarching argument about ethnic politics in Indonesia post-Suharto?

The political salience of ethnicity has greatly diminished, leading to a weakly ethnicized polity with norms of compromise.

What phenomenon occurred in Indonesia following the downfall of President Suharto in 1998?

Communal violence occurred in several provinces, which shaped an image of Indonesia as characterized by strong ethnic politics.

What are the first three theses in Aspinall's article designed to demonstrate?

They provide descriptive claims to argue that ethnic politics in Indonesia today are relatively weak.

How has democratization impacted ethnic polarization in Indonesia?

Rather than producing polarization, democratization has fostered norms of compromise and cooperation.

What role do institutional reforms play in the context of Indonesian ethnic politics?

They undermine ethnicity's role in national politics and promote inter-ethnic collaboration.

What does the first thesis state regarding the peak of ethnic politicization in Indonesia?

Ethnic politicization peaked during the democratic transition but subsequently declined.

What is indicated by Aspinall's second thesis about ethnicity in Indonesian politics?

Indonesia is characterized as a weakly ethnicized polity with minimal political role of ethnicity.

What is the significance of direct elections for local government heads (pilkada) mentioned in the notes?

Direct elections increased inter-ethnic cooperation, as candidates sought support from diverse ethnic groups.

What does the term 'pemekaran' refer to in the context of Indonesian politics?

It refers to the redrawing of administrative boundaries along ethnic lines, increasing the number of provinces and districts.

How does the concept of patronage relate to ethnic politics in Indonesia?

Patronage networks often cross ethnic lines and tend to weaken ethnic competition rather than intensify it.

What does Aspinall's ninth thesis highlight about ethnic politics in certain provinces?

In some provinces, a hardened form of ethnic politics still prevails, particularly in regions like Aceh and Papua.

What is one way in which ethnic identity influences voting behavior in local elections?

Voters may show reluctance to vote for candidates from ethnic groups that are not their own, especially in areas with past conflicts.