Indonesia in the 1950s: Nation, modernity, and the post-colonial state

This essay explores discussions in the 1950s about Indonesian national identity, which were primarily framed in cultural terms. The early years of this decade witnessed optimistic efforts to shape a new nation driven by modernity. Gradually these efforts were aborted by the encroachment of the state. In this respect questions are raised concerning the post-colonial nature of the Indonesian middle class which inhabited this state.