Minorities, Modernity and the Emerging Nation: Christians in Indonesia, a Biographical Approach

In this insightful exploration, the authors delve into the intricate relationship between Indonesian nationalism and its urban Christian communities. By adopting a biographical approach, they illuminate how individual narratives and experiences of Christians shape the broader socio-political landscape of Indonesia. The book highlights the challenges and contributions of these minorities as they navigate their identities within a predominantly Muslim society.

Through a series of personal stories, the authors illustrate how urban Christians have actively participated in the nation-building process, often facing discrimination while striving for recognition and inclusion. Their journeys reveal the complexities of faith, culture, and the quest for modernity against the backdrop of an emerging nation grappling with its diverse heritage.

Ultimately, the work serves as both a historical account and a contemporary analysis, shedding light on the multifaceted roles of minorities in Indonesia's evolving narrative. It encourages readers to reflect on broader themes of identity, belonging, and the paradoxes that define modern nationhood in a multicultural context.