ABSTRACT
Throughout this book decentralization and adat revivalism in Indonesia were examined in relation to the interconnected concepts of indigeneity, administration and power. Local political conflicts are frequently represented as indigenous in nature, and discourses of adat are used in a variety of ways in order to manage conflicts, generate influence and sustain power and control through subtle institutional and coercive means. The treatment of indigenous peoples has gradually evolved, beginning with views of natives as endangered, followed by targeted assimilation and civilizing missions, protectionism and an ethical duty of care, and finally leading to discourses of rights and recognition. Empirical evidence from Sulawesi demonstrates that in this era of rights and recognition, indigeneity can be a useful tool for political persuasion.
