Book Reviews : Decentralization in Indonesia as a Political Problem. By GERALD S. MARYANOV. (Ithaca: "Modern Indonesia Project Interim Report Series," Southeast Asia Program, Department of Far Eastern Studies, Cornell University, 1958. Pp. vii, 118. $1.50.)

Published date01 June 1960
DOI10.1177/106591296001300237
AuthorGarth N. Jones
Date01 June 1960
Subject MatterArticles
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Decentralization in Indonesia as a Political Problem. By GERALD S. MARYANOV.
(Ithaca: "Modern Indonesia Project Interim Report Series," Southeast Asia
Program, Department of Far Eastern Studies, Cornell University, 1958. Pp.
vii, 118. $1.50.)
Decentralization and autonomy in Indonesia are complex subjects which
touch upon the whole question of government. This study is concerned largely
with the most important aspect, the political. In order to give a setting for the
total situation, Mr. Maryanov, however, treats in general terms such other mat-
ters as administrative authority and organizational structure, civil service, eco-
nomic centralization and control, representation, and regionalism.
Until the problem of decentralization and automony is resolved satisfac-
torily all activity of the government will be subject to various types of unmiti-
gated pressures and forces from the provincial and local areas, including violent
revolution such as still exists in many areas throughout the Indonesian archi-
pelago. The great test of Indonesia’s political maturity will undoubtedly be
the final solution to this problem. The process will not be an easy one.
Although this is only a preliminary study of Indonesian political attitudes
concerning the decentralization of governmental authority and power, the study
is sufficiently detailed that the nature and scope of the problem are clearly
mapped out. A beginning has been made which has been based largely upon
solid first-hand experience and original sources. The interim report series of the
University of Cornell Modern Indonesian Project is not to be regarded as final
and polished scholarly research. The primary purpose is to release as soon as
possible preliminary findings in order to invite constructive criticism and to pro-
vide scholarly information for students, scholars, and others interested in South-
east Asia. This is particularly a sound policy in light of the current political
developments in Indonesia.
Mr....

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