Click 2004_Vol43-Aug_LATITUDES A Tale of Two Crises-c

“Examining problems that confront Indonesia today, respected commentators speak of militarism, democratization, human rights, corruption, economic liberalization, employment, management of religious and ethnic diversity, women’s participation, and globalization. These are the pressing issues of the day. Questions of culture and literature are almost unheard of. . . .

In the 1950s most men (and a few women) of letters were usually active in political parties. Many took positions in the government. . . Politicians of that period not only took a great interest in culture and arts, many (including the first president and members of his state cabinet) produced intellectual analyses or artistic works at some time during their career development. The distinction between artists, intellectuals and politicians was insignificant then.”

Heryanto, Ariel (2004) “A Tale of Two Crises”, Latitudes, 43 (Aug): 52-55.

keywords: culture, economic crisis, Latitudes, post-authoritarian, post-colonial