Performing the Nation

The apparent cohesion and stability of Indonesia during much of the New Order period (1965-1998) stand in sharp contrast to today's disorder. Whilst Suharto's authoritarian rule was significant, the regime's cultural policies also played their part. Ethnic, religious and regional sentiments were channelled into the field of art rather than being expressed in terms of class, religion or separatism. At the same time, culture was used to help develop a national Indonesian identity. This study focuses on the efforts of a group of young art students based at the Bandung Academy of Performing Arts to revitalize traditional Longser theatre. The interaction between the artists and the regime, and their differing ideas about identity, the role of art and cultural traditions in Indonesia, offers valuable insights into the underlying dynamics of the country's current condition.