Cornell University Press Activists in Transition: Progressive Politics in Democratic Indonesia

Activists in Transition examines the relationship between social movements and democratization in Indonesia. Collectively, progressive social movements have played a critical role over in ensuring that different groups of citizens can engage directly in―and benefit from―the political process in a way that was not possible under authoritarianism. However, their individual roles have been different, with some playing a decisive role in the destabilization of the regime and others serving as bell-weathers of the advancement, or otherwise, of Indonesia's democracy in the decades since. Equally important, democratization has affected social movements differently depending on the form taken by each movement during the New Order period. The book assesses the contribution that nine progressive social movements have made to the democratization of Indonesia since the late 1980s, and how, in turn, each of those movements has been influenced by democratization. Review "Each chapter is broadly historical, showing the long sweep of change over the forty years or so from the mid New Order to the present day. Activists in Transition is well documented, clearly structured, pleasingly written, and authoritative."--Gerry van Klinken, KITLV and University of Amsterdam "Activists in Transition makes a strong contribution to the literature on political change in Indonesia--and Southeast Asia more broadly--in providing comprehensive and up-to-date information on the nature and fate of progressive politics in Indonesia."--Jane Hutchison, Asia Research Centre, Murdoch University About the Author Thushara Dibley is Lecturer in Asian Studies and Deputy Director of Sydney Southeast Asia Centre. Follow her on Twitter @thushdibley.Michele Ford is Professor of Southeast Asian Studies and Director of Sydney Southeast Asia Centre. Follow her on Twitter @MicheleSSEAC.