Democratisation and the dilemma of nation‐building in post‐Suharto Indonesia: the case of Aceh

Abstract

Since the fall of Suharto's autocratic regime in May 1998, Indonesia has gone through a delicate process of democratisation. At the same time Indonesia is also confronted with the problem of nation‐building. The question is: how can a democratic Indonesia unite itself? By using the theoretical relationship between the issue of democratisation and national identity, the paper tries to show the dilemma of nation‐building in the post‐Suharto Indonesia, especially with regard to the resolving of conflict in Aceh. On the one hand, the Indonesian leaders are required to show their commitment to democratic principles in ending the conflict and, on the other hand, they cannot rule out the possibility of using military means in keeping the nation united. An effective control by the civilian leaders over the military is essential for the peaceful solution of Aceh conflict.