Religion and Internal Migrations in the Processes of Indonesianisation and Islamisation of West Papua

Abstract

Internal migrations are a growing problem in multiethnic societies. Indonesia is one of the most diverse countries in the world and home for hundreds of ethnic groups united under the main idea – national identity. But this concept remains unclear for many Indonesians, especially those living outside the central, overpopulated Java and Madura. To achieve the utopian unity, President Suharto (1967–1998) introduced the "transmigration" program, which moved people from overcrowded territories to the so-called "outer islands". The official plans emphasised its economic and development importance, but I argue that transmigration was also a political tool for introducing the processes of Indonesianisation and Islamisation. Using Michael Hechter’s theory of internal colonialism, I support my argument with reports and documents referring to the case of West Papua in Eastern Indonesia. The territory with separatist experience and a strong desire for a great autonomy serve as a good example of attempts of deliberate Indonesianisation and Islamisation. An overwhelming number of internal migrants, Javanese Muslims, gradually diluted the unity of Christian Papuans. The lack of balance between these groups creates a constant tension in a changing society. Based on the argument, I explain the influence of internal migration in a wider context. I pay attention to the dynamism of religious and ethnic structure before and after the fall of the New Order regime. I argue that the processes of Indonesianisation and Islamisation are crucial for the further existence of Papuans and solutions adopted by the Indonesian state.