The Technological State in Indonesia: The Co-constitution of High Technology and Authoritarian Politics.

• Author: Amirrachman, Alpha
• Position: Book review

The Technological State in Indonesia: The Co-constitution of High Technology and Authoritarian Politics. By Sulfikar Amir. Abingdon, Oxon: Routledge Contemporary Southeast Asia Series, 2013. Hardcover: 190pp.

According to the author, a "technological state" is one with "a political economy that is largely structured by a macro vision of socioeconomic transformations which places a strong emphasis on state-led rapid technological development" (pp. 9-10). He posits three essential features of the technological state that differentiates it from the developmental state: first, a high degree of technological supremacy, not economic growth, is the measure of success; second, the state institution in charge of technological advancement is relatively protected from external factors such as market forces; third, accomplishment is proven by presenting sophisticated technological accomplishments to the public, and not necessarily by improving their welfare. This book examines the New Order's love affair with high-technology, and especially the career trajectory of German-educated engineer B.J. Habibie who went on to become the third President of Indonesia after the downfall of "the father of development", President Soeharto.

Soeharto--who's New Order regime ruled the country with an iron fist from 1965 to 1998--had ambitions to put Indonesia on par with developed countries. Soeharto's successful attempt to lure Habibie home from an impressive career in the aeronautical industry in Germany exemplifies the intersection between high-tech advancement and the authoritarian state: "We have to bring about some reforms and changes in science and technology, but please Rudy [Habibie's nickname], don't bring about any social upheavals" (p. 45). On his return, Habibie immediately set about transforming Soeharto's dreams into reality, mainly through an ambitious project to design and construct aeroplanes at the state-run Indonesian Aerospace Industry (IPTN).

The author combines historical description and sociological analysis in an engaging way, and his analysis of the intersection between high-tech development and authoritarianism is reflected throughout the book. Chapter 1 illustrates the comprehensive backdrop against which authoritarian politics and technological development intersected. Chapter 2 depicts the close personal relationship between Soeharto and Habibie. Chapter 3 discusses the practices of strong technocracy, which constituted the New Order's...