Since 2001, Indonesia’s military commitment to Aceh province resulted in one of Southeast Asia’s largest wars for decades. Indonesia's War over Aceh presents the background and history of this war, investigating its domestic and international implications, at a time when the recent tsunami catastrophe has brought Aceh to world attention.

Using military doctrinal references and extensive, original research, Davies reconstructs reported events, combatant forces, terminology and statistical data to expose many of the war’s sensitive issues. He challenges others’ preceding research by detailing the Indonesian military’s mission, structures, combat strains, and activity within political, operational and paramilitary realms. Drawing on Indonesian-Malay sources normally unseen by the English-speaking world, Indonesia's War over Aceh will be essential reading for regional specialists and those interested in contemporary conflict.

Reviews

'Davies adds an Australian intelligence analyst's view to compliment the growing number of books on the Aceh war by academics.' - Inside Indonesia

'As an analysis of the Indonesian military role, it is excellent - detailed, rigourous, concisely written and carefully presented.' - Asian Affairs

Contents

Introduction: Intelligence and the Aceh War 1. The Aceh Battlespace 2. Divide, Dismember and Military Rule 3. Military Dynamics and 'Lines of Concentration' 4. TNI-POLRI Morale and Motivation 5. Bodycount: Jakarta's Own Dead 6. People's War: Atrocity, Militia and Islam 7. Shadow War: Infiltration, PSYOPS and Terrorism 8. A People Defamed

Author Bio

Matthew N. Davies is an independent military analyst, Indonesian linguist, and former Australian Department of Defence (Army) intelligence analyst.