Cultural and Multicultural Perspectives on Learning and Motivation

Abstract

This paper argues that there are unresolved tensions between the forces driving cultural diversity in Indonesia, namely Indonesia's demographic transition and urbanization, and the state's approach to multiculturalism. It argues that multiculturalism under the New Order can be defined as hierarchical multiculturalism, where ethnic groups are aligned with the administrative units of the state at different levels and locations. This form of multiculturalism is a key reason for the proliferation of administrative units (pemekaran) since decentralization, and is in tension with the powerful forces for socio-demographic change mentioned earlier. I suggest a place-based multiculturalism would be more appropriate for Indonesia given the trend towards increasing cultural diversity.