Indonesian communism under Sukarno

The reviews consistently praise this book as a comprehensive, detailed, and objective analysis of the Indonesian Communist Party (PKI) during the Guided Democracy era (1959-1965). Readers highlight its insightful portrayal of PKI's strategic cunning, flexibility, and adaptability in navigating complex national and international political landscapes. The book is lauded for explaining how the PKI, after the Madiun events, not only maintained its fragile existence but grew into one of the largest communist parties globally and in Southeast Asia. It delves into the party's unique approaches, including its extensive internal research programs like the "three-together method" and its focus on agrarian reform, particularly among the peasant class. Furthermore, the book elucidates PKI's intricate relationship with President Sukarno, its tensions with the Army, and its effective methods of mass agitation, while also providing an alternative perspective that moves beyond the singular focus on the G30S event. It effectively illustrates PKI's autonomous stance, blending Marxism-Leninism with local left-nationalist interpretations and resisting total intervention from major international communist powers.

Despite its strengths, the book receives some critical feedback. A significant concern raised by one reviewer pertains specifically to the translated edition, which is described as having chaotic translation and editing. This reviewer found many sentences incomprehensible due to missing primary elements and noted numerous omissions from the original text, leading to a loss of credibility and difficulty in understanding the information presented. Separately, another review expresses a desire for more extensive discussion on the PKI's focus on the working class, suggesting that the book’s emphasis appears heavily skewed towards the peasant class and agrarian reform, leaving some questions about the party's broader class agitation strategies during that period.

Overall, this book is considered a pivotal and important work for anyone seeking a deep understanding of the PKI's political strategies and evolution during a critical phase of Indonesian history. It offers a nuanced, objective, and meticulously detailed account that enriches the historical narrative by exploring the party's multifaceted activities and dynamics before the G30S incident. This makes it an ideal read for those with a keen interest in Indonesian political history, the Guided Democracy period, communist ideology, Sukarnoism, and the strategic workings of political parties. Prospective readers should, however, be mindful of the reported issues concerning the quality of the translated edition and might consider consulting the original text if possible, or be prepared for potential challenges in comprehension if relying solely on the translation.