Rethinking Aspects of Political Violence in Twentieth-Century Indonesia and East Timor

The papers included in this special journal issue focus on two particular time periods -- the mid-1960s & the late 1990s -- when Indonesia & East Timor were deeply affected by political violence, massacre, & political instability. Many common findings are evident, including the following: (1) Elite factions, both state & military, are directly responsible for the mass violence that has afflicted Indonesia for the past 40 years. (2) Social factions have upheld & promoted mass political violence. (3) Paramilitary militias have frequently been responsible for the outbreak of mass violence, preventing efforts to secure retribution for victims. The papers also show that a historical perspective must be taken to understand recent political violence in Indonesia. Finally, it is concluded that truth & justice will be difficult to determine in the wake of Indonesia's 40-year experience with mass political violence. K. Larsen