The 2014 book “Indonesia Etc.: Exploring the Improbable Nation” was written by epidemiologist and former journalist Elizabeth Pisani. During the course of the book’s amazing 2012–2013 voyage across Indonesia, Pisani visits a number of locations, including Java, Sumatra, Flores, Sulawesi, the Maluku Islands, Sumba, and Kalimantan. Pisani dives deeply into Indonesian history, culture, politics, and economy in this engrossing investigation, frequently concentrating on tiny towns and cities that are usually disregarded by travellers. The rivalry between Java, which is home to 60% of Indonesia’s population, and other regions is one of the book’s main themes, providing new insight into this “Improbable Nation.
Pisani’s daring exploration style, summed up in her golden guideline of “Just say yes,” takes readers on an engrossing journey. Every encounter, from participating in tea rituals with corpses to learning about the intricacies of asphalt mines, adds to the complex tapestry that reveals the cohesiveness of Indonesia despite its numerous islands.
The Economist and The Wall Street Journal recognised the book as one of the finest nonfiction books of the year, and it garnered positive reviews overall. The Guardian commended it for portraying a more positive and welcoming image of Indonesia, which contrasts with the views of the majority of foreign observers. A more critical viewpoint was provided by The New York Times, which pointed out that the book did not sufficiently address Java and other populated Indonesian islands
The intricate relationship between Java, the political and cultural centre of Indonesia, and the numerous other islands that make up the country, is one of the book’s main themes. Pisani deftly handles this contradiction, offering an account that contradicts the dominantly Javanese perspective of Indonesia. Her narratives are replete with first-hand accounts of interactions and events, which turns the book from an educational resource about Indonesia into an engrossing tale of exploration and adventure.
Although it was commended for its upbeat and captivating depiction of Indonesia, some detractors drew attention to how superficially it covered Java and other populated areas. In spite of this, the book is noteworthy for its ability to convey the spirit of Indonesia’s remarkable diversity and the people’s tenacity. Pisani’s writings are essential reading for anybody hoping to comprehend the nuances and allure of this “Improbable Nation.”
The central theme of the story is how Indonesia, a country with 17,000 islands and 719 languages, creates a national identity. From street food vendors to itinerant Sasak cart pushers, Pisani navigates both state-mandated strategies and non-state unifiers, exposing the organic creation of a separate national identity, free from imposed central-state unity.
Beneath the surface, Pisani addresses modern problems including governmental decentralisation, religious strife, corruption, and environmental difficulties—all of which are contained in the illusive “etc.” of the title. Her unbiased, objective viewpoint analyses Jakarta’s policies and Western NGOs, providing important insights.
The book’s genius is in its capacity to go beyond clichés and provide readers with a sophisticated perspective on Indonesia’s complex journey. Something that might be a thick exploration is made educational and incredibly entertaining to read by Pisani’s captivating writing style. It is more than just a travelogue; it is an unlikely story about the complexity and resiliency of a country.
At a time when stories about China and India are dominating the conversation, this literary gem fills a gap by offering a new viewpoint on Indonesia. Pisani’s work is notable for its skillful combination of travelogue, history, and journalism components. Her year-long journey through 26 provinces reveals intimate images of the different people that make up Indonesia’s unlikely identity, removing layers from the country.
In summary, “Indonesia, Etc.: Navigating the Improbable Nation” is more than simply a book; it’s an in-depth, thorough analysis that skillfully combines complexity with readability. It serves as a literary compass for readers interested in a more in-depth comprehension of Indonesia’s incredible journey and provides priceless insights for nations facing comparable difficulties, such as the formidable nations of China and India.
