Title: Indonesia, Etc: Exploring the Improbable Nation
Author: Elizabeth Pisani
First published January 1, 2014
416 pages, Paperback
ISBN: 9780393351279 (ISBN10: 0393351270)
Rating: 4.2
Overview
Indonesia is a country that has been working on the “etc.” of its independence since 1945. With over 13,500 islands and 300 ethnic groups, it’s a complex and diverse nation.
To explore the links that bind this improbable nation, author Elizabeth Pisani embarked on a 26,000-mile journey. Her travels took her through the bustling cities, rural villages, and remote islands, as she sought to understand the complexities of this fascinating country.
From the politics and history to the culture and cuisine, Indonesia, Etc. is a captivating exploration of a nation that is as diverse as it is complex.
Editoral Review
Indonesia, Etc: Exploring the Improbable Nation by Elizabeth Pisani is a thought-provoking and insightful exploration of Indonesia that takes readers on a journey through the country’s history, culture, and politics. As a former journalist and epidemiologist who has lived and worked in Indonesia for over two decades, the author provides a unique perspective on this diverse and complex nation.
Pisani’s travelogue is a blend of memoir, journalism, and social commentary that examines Indonesia from a wide range of angles. She explores the country’s history, geography, religion, and customs, as well as its contemporary issues, such as corruption, poverty, and political unrest.
Through her travels across the archipelago, Pisani introduces us to a cast of characters, from high-ranking government officials to lowly fishermen, bringing to life the diversity and complexity of Indonesian society. At its core, Indonesia, Etc is an attempt to understand and reconcile the contradictions that define Indonesia: a country with enormous natural resources and a long history of cultural achievement, but also plagued by political instability, economic inequality, and environmental degradation.
Pisani’s writing is both engaging and informative, as she sheds light on the key issues that have shaped Indonesia’s past and present. One of the strengths of the book is Pisani’s ability to weave together personal narratives with larger historical and cultural themes.
In particular, her exploration of Indonesia’s colonial past and its struggle for independence is both illuminating and emotionally resonant. She also provides a nuanced analysis of Indonesia’s religious diversity, offering a window into the country’s Islamic, Hindu, Buddhist, and Christian communities.
However, at times the book feels disjointed, with its episodic structure and lack of a clear narrative arc. Additionally, while Pisani’s writing is engaging, her tendency to jump from topic to topic can be disorienting, and it can be hard to keep track of all the different people and places she encounters.
Despite these flaws, Indonesia, Etc is a fascinating and engaging read that will appeal to anyone interested in Indonesian history, culture, and politics. Pisani’s deep knowledge of the country, combined with her engaging writing style and personal anecdotes, makes for a compelling portrait of this diverse and vibrant nation.
Overall, I would highly recommend Indonesia, Etc to anyone interested in gaining a deeper understanding of Indonesia, its people, and its struggles. While it may not be the most cohesive or well-structured book, its insights into Indonesian society and culture are invaluable, and make this an important and worthwhile read.
On a scale of 1 to 5, I would give this book a solid 4, based on its strengths in writing, analysis, and storytelling.
