The 4th Meeting on Democratization of Indonesia (in conjunction with Indonesia Study Group, Institute of Asian Cultures, Sophia University)

    DATE:Thursday, November 19
    TIME:19:00-21:00
    PLACE:Meeting Room 2, 11F, 7th Building, Sophia University, Yotsuya, Tokyo
    REPORTER:Totok Hari Wibowo
    TITLE:Development of East Indonesia
    NOTE:in Indonesian (with interpretation)
An official of Bappenas (National Development Planning Agency) and currently taking the doctoral course at Tokyo University, Mr. Totok Hari Wibowo reported on the development of East Indonesia.
The East Indonesian region has always been predominantly Christian. As it was reported, due to its low population density it is considered an ideal place for transmigrasi (transmigration policy) of Muslims from Western Indonesia. However (natural resource) development and transmigrasi are raising an issue of confrontation between the natives and the migrants-between Christians and Muslims. Islamization of East Indonesia aiming for national integration is also adding to the problem. Mr. Totok's report was as follows: East Indonesia consists of 13 states extending from the Kalimantan to Sulawesi and eastern islands. The outlandish traffic and communications and its sparse population distinguishes the region from others. With such characteristics in mind, under presidential decree the East Indonesia Development Council (EIDC) was found to promote the overall development of the Indonesian state.

* to be rich in natural resources and have strategic potential of growth; * to be suitable for transmigrasi from Western Indonesia for its sparse population and vast land; * impartial development and national integration.

These three points are the strategic essentialities upon considering the development of East Indonesia.