The chapter opens with “Indonesia is a country of astounding cultural diversity . . .” What historical factors led to its unification and independence in 1949?

What will be an ideal response?

• Formerly known as the Dutch East Indies, European colonial domination imposed geographical borders and a single rule over highly diverse peoples living throughout a vast archipelago—see map in WOM, p. 300. Further unification of this area occurred with the adoption of national language in the early twentieth century, culminating with revolution against the Dutch (1945-1949) and the achievement of Indonesia's independence.