Anti-Communism That Copies Its Enemy: The Paradox of Authoritarianism in Indonesia

Anti-Communism That Copies Its Enemy: The Paradox of Authoritarianism in Indonesia
Indonesia strongly rejects communism as its ultimate enemy. Yet, when you look closely, the way anti-communism is practiced in the country surprisingly mirrors some aspects of Stalinism: leader cults, single-story narratives, and the creation of internal enemies to maintain power.
Anti-Communism as a National Dogma
Indonesia is known for being extremely anti-communist. This narrative took root after the tragic events of 1965, when the Indonesian Communist Party (PKI) was banned and thousands of its members and supporters were killed or imprisoned without trial.
In schools, media, and public discourse, communism is always portrayed as an existential threat—destroying morality, religion, and national unity. Over time, anti-communism has become almost a sacred national principle, demanding loyalty from every citizen.
When Rejection Becomes Imitation
Looking more closely, a paradox appears. In the ways …