Indonesian Studies

The Suharto regime created a coherent history that is reflected in recent archaeological and historical research, in popular histories and biographies, in monuments and in school textbooks.The author describes an official history stretching from the proto-Indonesia of Majapahit, through the Indonesian Revolution up to the birth of the New Order in 1965.

The book includes: Early history to the coming of Islam (5000 B.C.E.-1600) -- Indonesia during the colonial era (1600-1940) -- The struggle for independence (1900-1949) -- The Sukarno era (1945-1967) -- The Soeharto era (1966-1998) -- Indonesia after Soeharto (1998- ).

This fascinating book tells the story of Indonesia as a narrative of kings, traders, missionaries, soldiers and revolutionaries, featuring stormy sea crossings, fiery volcanoes, and the occasional tiger. It recounts the colourful visits of foreign travelers who have passed through these shores for many centuries--from Chinese Buddhist pilgrims and Dutch adventurers to English sea captains and American movie stars.

This pioneering volume traces the history of the region which became Indonesia, from early times to the present day, in over three hundred specially drawn full-colour maps with detailed accompanying text.