Nation-State Building Lesson from Indonesia (PDF)

NATION-STATE BUILDING 2 Lesson from Indonesia The formation of an independent nation or nation-state building is not only a matter of freedom from occupation. It also involves attention to how to construct national identity, especially when a country consists of a d...

NATION-STATE BUILDING 2 Lesson from Indonesia The formation of an independent nation or nation-state building is not only a matter of freedom from occupation. It also involves attention to how to construct national identity, especially when a country consists of a diverse population. The multiculturalism approach is useful for understanding how a diverse country builds its national identity, regardless of the diversity of its people. Multiculturalism explains two core concepts to distinguish which aspect is most suitable for building a national identity: assimilation and integration. PAGE 11 Assimilation Definition Implication By the phrase, assimilation means In assimilation, minorities “the process of becoming similar to should adopt the dominant culture something.” to unify society; thus, minorities often leave their roots and identity Definition of cultural assimilation: behind. “Adopting the ways of another Assimilated groups then culture in order to fully become practice the dominant culture, part of a new and different society” including values, behaviours, and beliefs. “The abandonment of one’s own This means that minority culture of origin and the groups have to sacrifice their maintenance of positive relations identities in order to be accepted in with the host society, with cultural society. Assimilation commonly values and behaviour patterns happens to immigrants who move being adopted.” to a different country. Assimilation has been adopted in many nation unifications, such as: the Aboriginal ethnic groups in Australia, Indian ethnic groups in the US, minority groups in the Philippines, and many more. PAGE 12 Integration Definition Implication By the phrase, integration means Through integration, different “the action or process of cultures merge into one society integrating.” with respect for all cultures, without one predominating over Definition of cultural integration: another. “Incorporating individuals from Individuals who integrate into a different backgrounds into a society, whether they are in the society in an equal way” minority or the majority, can practice their own cultures while “Maintaining one’s own cultural simultaneously embracing the new identity to a great extent while culture in which they find making an effort to become an themselves. integral part of the larger societal framework.” Integration is also one of the methods for defining national Integration requires the identity, where people commonly coexistence of all cultures. identify with a multicultural identity rather than a single identity. PAGE 13  Both assimilation and integration have their own advantages and disadvantages in forming a national identity. Historical and cultural characteristics, as well as the political will of each country, are key factors influencing whether a country chooses to employ assimilation or integration. A comparison* of assimilation and integration based on various attributes is provided below: Attribute Assimilation Integration Maintains original cultural Loss of original cultural Cultural Identity identity while adopting aspects identity of the new culture Embraces diversity and Requires conformity to the Acceptance encourages coexistence of dominant culture different cultures Allows for the preservation of May require learning the Language native languages while dominant language promoting bilingualism May lead to isolation or Promotes social interaction and Social exclusion from the dominant inclusion within the larger Interaction group society Requires individuals to adapt Encourages mutual adaptation Adaptation to the dominant culture's and exchange of cultural norms and values practices Strives for equal rights and May perpetuate power opportunities for all Equality imbalances and inequality individuals, regardless of cultural background *Source: ThisvsThat.io PAGE 14  Assimilation: Official recognition of minority cultures may not be granted. Assimilation: There is a high tendency for cultural discrimination, with the Minority groups could potentially dominant culture being perceived improve their prosperity by as superior to minority cultures. adapting to dominant cultures, Discrimination based on culture, such as language. Thus, they may identity, religion, etc., could gain more bargaining power to potentially lead to violence during secure their economic status. the process of enforcing assimilation. Integration: Integration: Freedom to express cultural As many cultures highlight their diversity is guaranteed, which in differences, it can potentially turn strengthens tolerance within a trigger cultural stereotypes and diverse society. lead to ethnic conflicts. Societal power is needed to protect unity. Bridging instruction: After gaining an understanding of the concepts of assimilation and integration, let’s turn our attention to the implementation of these concepts to assess Indonesia as a case study. PAGE 15 Indonesia’s national unification Indonesia’s diverse identities. As an archipelagic country, Indonesia consists of more than 17,000 islands, with a population of over 270,000,000 people, making it the fourth most populous country in the world. Indonesia is home to more than 1,300 ethnic groups who speak around 800 different languages. Bahasa Indonesia is the national and official language. In terms of religions, Indonesia officially recognizes at least six religions: Islam, Christianity, Catholicism, Hinduism, Buddhism, and Confucianism (as well as other beliefs). Islam is the majority religion more than 80% of the population, making Indonesia as the most populous Muslims society in the world. PAGE 16 The Spirit of Freedom from Colonialism Indonesia was occupied by the Portuguese, Dutch, British, and Japanese for a total of more than 350 years. The occupation was motivated by the desire for spices and for workforce exploitation, which led to widespread suffering among locals, including hunger, poverty, and health issues. The suffering caused by the occupation fuelled the struggle for independence, eventually leading to the formation of the nation- state of Indonesia. Indonesia proclaimed its independence on August 17, 1945, with the declaration made by the founding fathers, President Sukarno and Vice President Mohammad Hatta. Local wisdoms The term "Nusantara" was endorsed by Chief Minister Gajah Mada during the Majapahit Empire from 1330 to 1364. He made the famous "Palapa Oath," which was an oath to unify Nusantara, referring to the regions of Java, Sumatra, Borneo, and Bali. Nusantara is generally associated with modern regions that include Patani (Thailand), Malaysia, Singapore, Brunei Darussalam, Indonesia, and the Philippines. However, in the context of Indonesia, the term is used to symbolize national unification from Sabang (the westernmost island of Indonesia) to Merauke (the easternmost island of Indonesia). The concept of Nusantara embodies the spirit of unification despite the diversities within Indonesia. Indonesia embraces the philosophy known as "Pancasila" or "Five Pillars." These five pillars represent the national motto "Bhinneka PAGE 17  Tunggal Ika," which translates to "United We Stand, Divided We Fall." This motto is taught at an early stage to preschool students (young generations). The five pillars are also embedded in the Indonesian national emblem, known as the "Garuda." Building a new hybrid national identity through “Sumpah Pemuda” or Youth Pledge" in 1926 and 1928: “We, the sons and daughters of Indonesia, acknowledge one motherland: Indonesia. We, the sons and daughters of Indonesia, commit to being one nation: the nation of Indonesia. We, the sons and daughters of Indonesia, uphold the language of unity: Indonesian.” Exercise Do you think Indonesia formed its national unification through assimilation or integration, include your answers with explanations? Submit your answer in the Google Classroom’s assignment folder! PAGE 18 References & further readings: Assimilation vs Integration: What’s the difference, retrieve from https://thisvsthat.io/assimilation-vs-integration Indonesian Culture, retrieve from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oZ6BNN0TRjg&t=35s Dayley, R. (2019). Southeast Asia in the new international era. Routledge. See chapter on Indonesia. Schneider, J., & Crul, M. (2010). New insights into assimilation and integration theory: Introduction to the special issue. Ethnic and Racial Studies, 33(7), 1143-1148. “We can have more than we’ve got, because we can be more than we are” Jim Rohn PAGE 19 PAGE 20