Indigenous Dialectics: The Relationship Between the State and Indigeneity in Indonesia

by Timo Duile

Overview

In Indigenous Dialectics, Timo Duile explores the history of indigeneity as a political force in Indonesia, considering how it came into existence in relation to the state and political economy. Duile sheds light on indigeneity in the national context and analyzes how it developed dialectically from late colonialism to the post—reformasi era in its relation to the state.

Indigenous Dialectics focuses on the process of recognition of Indigenous communities in South Sulawesi, especially in the Duri highlands. The Duri ethnic group lives in the regency of Enrekang, one of the first regencies in Indonesia to adopt a local regulation (peraturan daerah) on the recognition of Indigenous communities. Through ethnographic analysis, Duile demonstrates that indigeneity as an ideology comes into existence through its negation and sublation of and by the state. Ultimately, it is suggested that indigeneity as an identity and concept is both an expression and critique of political, historical, and economic circumstances.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781501784903
Publisher:	Cornell University Press
Publication date:	01/15/2026
Series:	Cornell Modern Indonesia Project
Edition description:	abridged edition
Pages:	234
Product dimensions:	6.00(w) x 9.00(h) x (d)
Age Range:	18 Years

About the Author

Timo Duile is a Researcher at the University of Bonn. He has studied political science, cultural anthropology, and philosophy. He has been a guest researcher and fellow at different universities in Indonesia, and the KITLV in Leiden, Netherlands.

What People are Saying About This

Jonas Bens

A bold and compelling intervention in the study of indigeneity. By bringing dialectical theory into conversation with rich ethnographic and historical insights, Indigenous Dialectics opens up powerful new ways of thinking about Indigenous politics and subjectivities. A must—read for anyone engaged in the critical study of colonialism, statehood, and politics.

R. Yando Zakaria

Indigenous Dialectics is an important book that challenges stereotypical conceptions of indigeneity. Duile's close work with activists and critical questions about the future of the Indigenous movement make this a significant contribution to both practical governance and theoretical study of indigeneity, especially in Indonesia.