Politics, porn, Pisok: a study of contemporary Minahasa, Indonesia

Authors

Philipp Borgs

Publication Date

2007-01-01

Abstract

Indonesia has been subject to huge changes after the fall of Suharto in 1998. Inter-ethnic and inter-religious problems that remained under the surface suddenly erupted and led to violent clashes between different groups in many parts of the Indonesian archipelago. Interestingly, North Sulawesi has not been subject to such incidents yet. Even though it has one of the highest numbers of Christians in Indonesia, the region remains stable and peaceful. This article analyzes this province with a focus on the districts of Minahasa. The ethnic Minahasans played a special role both during the Dutch colonial era and the early years of the Indonesian nation. Now that Islam seems to gain influence in Indonesia, Christian Minahasans pay attention to how politics in Jakarta might affect their region. The controversy over the socalled "porn bill" revealed fears over a subtle Islamization. Despite various differences with the central government, Minahasa and North Sulawesi do not seriously seek independence from the motherland.

DOI

10.58837/CHULA.ARV.20.1.9

First Page

233

Last Page

249

Recommended Citation

Borgs, Philipp (2007) "Politics, porn, Pisok: a study of contemporary Minahasa, Indonesia," Asian Review: Vol. 20: No. 1, Article 10.
DOI: 10.58837/CHULA.ARV.20.1.9
Available at: https://digital.car.chula.ac.th/arv/vol20/iss1/10