ABSTRACT
This chapter purposively reviews four centuries of intrusions that have shaped the cultural and political landscapes of Indonesia. Given the long-standing, unresolved tensions surrounding customary land tenure and indigenous rights, it is important to examine the historical context behind the current revival of adat. Each key historical phase carried different possibilities for promoting, co-opting or tempering the political impulses of local communities. The tripartite of indigeneity, administration and power are intertwined throughout history, with consequences for the current situation in Sulawesi.
