| Synopsis: |
Indonesia is the third largest democracy and the fourth most populous country in the world. This Southeast Asian nation has vast natural resources, an enormous domestic consumer market, and one of Asia's largest industrial sectors. With some 300 ethnic groups spread across an insular territorial expanse equal to that of the continental United States, Indonesia is also one of the world's most culturally diverse countries, famous around the world for its its arts and scenic beauty. Some 88 percent of its 250 million people officially profess Islam, a fact that also makes Indonesia the world's largest Muslim-majority country -- and arguably the single most vibrant Muslim democracy. The Routledge Handbook of Contemporary Indonesia offers an overview of the modern making and contemporary dynamics of culture, society, and politics in this powerful Asian nation. It provides a comprehensive survey of key issues in Indonesian politics, economics, religion, and society. It is divided into six sections, organized as follows:The Making of Contemporary IndonesiaDomestic Politics and PluralityEconomics, Policy, and Market CulturesIslam and Religious DiversityFamily, Gender, and SexualityIndonesia in Global AffairsThe Handbook presents original contributions by leading scholars of Indonesia in history, anthropology, political science, sociology, religious studies, and gender studies. Up-to-date, interdisciplinary, and academically rigorous, it will be of interest to students, academics, policymakers, and others in search of reliable information on Indonesian politics, economics, religion and society in an accessible format. |