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 Worlds of Music, p. 331. Further unification of this area occurred with the adoption of a national language in the early twentieth century, culminating with revolution against the Dutch (1945-1949) and the achievement of Indonesia's independence.