The wide variety of ethnic groups in Indonesia is reflected in the ethnic diversity among Indonesian villages. Until now, descriptive studies of village life have been virtually nonexistent except in the Dutch language. This collection of comprehensive surveys of thirteen villages in Indonesia provides the first major study of this fundamental level of Indonesian society in the post-colonial period. The studies are based on first-hand field experience by outstanding Indonesian, Dutch, and American scholars. The villages included are representative of the variety of social, political,...

One of the most important, and at the same time most abused, terms in the Indonesian language is gotong rojong. Originally its usage was confined to the village sphere of Indonesian society, but during the past decade it has acquired an increasing currency among Indonesian political leaders and economic planners concerned with national problems. More and more frequently it has been employed in the formulation of prescriptions for, social and political relationships transcending the village level. In most cases, its usage, whether pertaining to activity at the village or national level has...