The Army and Ideology in Indonesia: From Dwifungsi to Bela Negara

This book examines the Indonesian Army's political thinking in the post-1998 reform era, focusing on the origins and impacts of 'proxy war' and 'bela negara'. It argues that the military seeks to sustain its political power by propagating a set of values as a moral compass for society. The book offers insights into the influence of military ideology on civil-military relations, particularly in the post-authoritarian period.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 70 pages
Publication date: 01 August 2022
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

This comprehensive book delves into the intricate dynamics of civil-military relations in Indonesia during the post-1998 reform era. It provides a detailed analysis of the political thinking of the Indonesian Army, emphasizing its role in shaping the country's political landscape. Through extensive interviews with civilian and military figures, as well as employing a methodology of process tracing and empirical analysis, the book sheds light on the emergence of military thinking in Indonesia.

The book argues that the Indonesian military seeks to maintain its political power by propagating a set of values that are perceived as a moral compass for society as a whole. Specifically, it explores the origins and consequences of the ideologies of "proxy war" and "bela negara," which were championed by former TNI Commander Gatot Nurmantyo and former Defense Minister Ryamizard Ryacudu during their respective terms. The authors demonstrate how these ideologies facilitate the expansion of the military's influence in various aspects of life and protect its corporate interests in the democratic context.

This book offers valuable insights into the influence of military ideology on civil-military relations, particularly in the post-authoritarian period. It will be of interest to academics and policy makers in the fields of Southeast Asian Politics, Asian Politics, and Civil-Military Relations. By examining the complex interplay between the military and civilian sectors in Indonesia, this book contributes to our understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing democratic societies in the region.

Weight: 150g
Dimension: 216 x 138 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780367553081