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A decade after the Reform: political activism of the Chinese of West Kalimantan, Indonesia
Political reform after the departure of President Soeharto’s New Order (1966–1998) provided opportunities for previously oppressed social groups to express their concerns and to demand fair recognition. The results of this newly found freedom have been quite immediately visible in Jakarta, where social and political institutions spearheaded by Chinese originally sprouted. In the regions, political participation of ethnic Chinese has also grown; significantly in those regions with a large Chinese population. In West Kalimantan, the number of Chinese being elected to local parliaments in some regions has doubled. They have also contested numerous direct local executive elections since 2003 and have been successful in winning four posts: a mayor, a district head, a deputy district head, and a deputy governor. By looking at the case of West Kalimantan, this article will examine the factors behind the growth in Chinese political activism, the factors contributing to the success of Chinese candidates in elections, how the Chinese have influenced local and provincial politics, and the challenges they are facing.
History
Publication title
Asian EthnicityVolume
16Issue
4Pagination
446-479ISSN
1463-1369Department/School
School of HumanitiesPublisher
RoutledgePlace of publication
United KingdomRights statement
Copyright 2015 Taylor & FrancisRepository Status
- Restricted