Indonesia

Editorial statement on the terrorist outrage in Bali

Written by In Defence of Marxism Tuesday, 15 October 2002

On October 12, two bombs ripped through a packed discotheque in Bali, killing more than 200 people and injuring some 300. Most of those who died were young people, many of them Australians. Marxists condemn this act of senseless killing. However, the declarations of Bush and Blair are full of the most disgusting hypocrisy. They are taking cynical advantage of the grief and anger at the latest terrorist atrocity for the purpose of drumming up support for their plans for war.

Bali terrorist attack causes shock-waves in the pacific!

Written by Jean Duval Tuesday, 15 October 2002

This article deals with the background and the consequences of the recent Bali blast from an Indonesian perspective. In a future article the author will deal with the economic situation in Indonesia, developments in the class struggle and the perspectives for the left.

Indonesia after S11: Anti-Terrorism, Geopolitics and Counter-Revolution

Written by Bruce Boon Monday, 17 December 2001

Bruce Boon analyses the political situation in Indonesia in the light of the events of September 11.

New Indonesian Marxist paper: Cahaya

Written by In Defence of Marxism Friday, 14 September 2001

We publish here the first edition of a new Marxist paper in Indonesia. Cahaya, means "shining light" or "bright light" and has been produced by a group of young Marxists active in the Indonesian workers and student movement. It has the ambition to become the socialist voice of workers, poor peasants and young people. We hope that the policies explained in its pages will become the dominant ideas of the Indonesian left.A short presentation in English is also available.

Interview with Muhammad Ma'ruf, member of the National Executive of the PDS (Democratic Socialist Association)

Written by Jean Duval Sunday, 22 July 2001

"We fight the comeback of the military and the New Order elements not by leaning on President Gus Dur, but with a policy of class independence"

The June 2001 Labour Protests and the Possibility for Socialist Ideas in Indonesia

Written by Bruce Boon Sunday, 22 July 2001

Since the fall of Soeharto a lot has changed for the Indonesian labour movement. During the New Order era one "union" monopolised the organisation of workers, the yellow union FSPSI linked to the ruling clique's Golkar party. Instead of raising the consciousness of workers, the FSPSI was designed to depoliticise them.

Women workers in Indonesia - Not mere victims of exploitation but also agents of social change

Written by Jean Duval Saturday, 05 May 2001

The recent Global Alliance report (February 2001) on workers' rights (mostly dealing with young girls) in 9 Nike factories in Indonesia has once more brought to the fore the ruthless character of the regime in the factories belonging to this American multinational. If the claim made by a so-called 'surprised and disturbed management' is to be believed, then the conditions in the factories reviewed would be amongst the most "progressive in the country".