Introduction states From almost any standpoint--geological, biological, historical, cultural-the Republic of Indonesia is complex. Even the country's official motto, Bhinneka Tunggal Ika, emphasizes ethnic heterogeneity, the courtly Javanese phrase being translatable as 'Unity in Diversity'. This book is intended to unravel some of the complexities; to make Indonesia clearer in the mind's eye, and more intelligible to Westerners."