ABSTRACT
There has been mueh speeulation over the role of provoeateurs, supposedly sponsored by political and military elite elements linked to Suharto and the New Order, in fanning the flames of provindal eonflict. Although clear evidenee has proved elusive, and loeal actors have almost eertainly been far more important in first provoking most eonflicts, in some eases outside influenees, including the Java-based Laskar Jihad (Holy War Troops) militia, have intensified and prolonged disarray.
