Performing Peace: The Evolving Roles of Security Groups in Indonesia

Abstract

Indonesia has a large number of civil society militia organisations that profess to safeguard peace and security in society. Generally associated with specific ethnic or religious groups, these civil militias police their territories and threaten (and sometimes apply) violence in order to discipline wrongdoers. Their actions influence social order and peace, and while many are usually low profile and have limited impact, actions that bring maximum effect are crucial for their fame and reputation. We consider such actions as performances in which their perspectives on order and peace are presented and invite acceptance (or rejection) by society. This is done in ways that emphasise cultural or moral elements over the potential for violence. Using examples from Kalimantan, Sulawesi and Java we consider the effects of such public displays in shaping everyday peace.