An understanding of Javanese mysticism, and the ethics and partems of thought that stem from it, is essential to fathom the public discourse in Indonesia. The Javanese form by far the largest ethnic group of the island nation, and they are conscious heirs to an old civilization. For these reasons, the Javanese are the dominating force in politics and national culture, and their ideas and beliefs form the essence of Indo- nesian ideology. In this book. Niels Mulder analyses the old heritage. and demonstrates its relationships with current efforts to create a national ideology and identity.

Dr Niels Mulder is an independent anthropologist who conducted field research in Indonesia in the 1970s, 1980s, and 1990s. Among his books are Inside Indonesian Society: Cultural Change in Java: Inside Southeast Asia: Religion. Everyday Life, Cultural Change; and Inside Thai Society An Interpretation of Everyday Life. Mulder's entertaining style makes his books easily accessible to anyone interested in the workings of South- east Asian society.