Ethnic-politics-the-Cold-War-and-subnational-dynamics-the-Indonesian-Communist-Party-the-ethnic-Chinese-minority-and-antiChinese-activities-in-West-Java-194967Modern-Asian-Studies

Ethnic Politics and the Cold War in West Java

  • Author: Matthew Woolgar, School of History, University of Leeds

  • Published In: Modern Asian Studies

  • Period: 1949 - 1967

  • Context: Examines interplay between ethnic Chinese minorities, Indonesian Communist Party (PKI), and anti-Chinese sentiment influenced by Cold War dynamics.

Abstract

  • Increasing scholarly focus on ideological polarization and ethnic tensions during the Cold War, especially affecting ethnic Chinese in Southeast Asia.

  • This article emphasizes the significance of sub-national dynamics, using West Java as a case study.

Introduction

  • Highlights the relationship between Indonesian communism, ethnic Chinese, international relations, and anti-Chinese agitation in West Java.

  • The Cold War context raises debates about inter-ethnic tensions and ideological conflict.

Review of Historical Context

  • Cold War and Ethnic Identity: Intertwined with ideological polarization and ethnic identity issues.

  • Existing Literature: Calls for integration of local dimensions into Cold War studies, advocating regional histories to understand inter-ethnic relations.

Key Dynamics in West Java

  • Sociocultural Overview: West Java is ethnically diverse with a significant Sundanese population, contrasting with Javanese in Central/East Java.

  • Population Statistics: Ethnic Chinese constitute about 1% of the population, similar across Java's regions.

Historical Developments in Anti-Chinese Sentiment

  1. Rise of the PKI (1950s):

    • PKI transitioned from a small group to a significant political force with millions of members.

    • Growing relations with the PRC provided a complex backdrop for ethnic Chinese.

    • Ethnic Chinese felt lingering distrust and suspicion due to economic roles and cultural differences.

  2. Crises of 1959-60:

    • A national regulation banned ethnic Chinese from trading in rural areas, with severe enforcement in West Java.

    • Military Involvement: Local military leadership played a pivotal role in enforcement and public rhetoric.

    • Resulted in forced removals and diplomatic crises between Indonesia and PRC; more than 100,000 ethnic Chinese fled.

  3. Anti-Chinese Riots of 1963:

    • Violent riots erupted reportedly involving several sectors of society, including students and urban youth.

    • West Java marked significant unrest, prompted by existing anti-Communist sentiments.

Changing Political Landscape 1965-67

  • Following the Thirtieth September Movement (1965), the PKI was decimated.

  • Anti-Chinese Policy Shifts: In the aftermath of the coup, anti-Chinese sentiment intensified but varied regionally.

  • Military Regime's Approach: General Adjie aimed for restraint while others escalated anti-Chinese actions amid political realignments.

Themes of Race and Ideology

  • The complicated relationship between ethnic identity and Cold War politics led to coerced cultural assimilation measures against ethnic Chinese.

  • Shift of property ownership laws and economic activities restricted for ethnic Chinese citizens.

Conclusion and Impacts

  • Integration of Forces: Necessity to view the interactions of local and international dimensions in understanding ethnic conflicts.

  • Long-term Consequences: Establishment of an anti-communist military regime in Indonesia, lasting discriminatory practices against ethnic Chinese, and a redefined national identity.

Final Thoughts

  • The article suggests that while ethnic Chinese identity became entangled with Cold War tensions, the profound impacts of these tensions on wider Indonesian society warrant attention.