Book Review: A Brief History of Indonesia

provincialmills
Dec 26, 2025
2 min read

A Brief History of Indonesia

Author: Tim Hannigan

Genre: History

Favorite Part:

The middle sections of the book are particularly compelling. Hannigan illustrates the complex evolution of the region, from the era when Indonesia paid tribute to China to its later colonization by the Portugese, Dutch and the English. The book does an excellent job of explaining the mechanics of these power shifts, making the historical transitions feel both clear and interesting.

What is it about?

This book provides a comprehensive chronological sweep of Indonesian history. It begins with the geological formation of the islands and moves through early civilizations, tracing the evolution of leadership from local clans and sultans to colonial rule, dictatorships, and finally, the constitutional democracy of the early 2000s. It effectively maps out how and why the nation transitioned into the democracy it is today.

What I Liked

As someone who was fairly unfamiliar with Indonesia and its geography, I found the depth of information very rewarding. The book covers a vast amount of ground, and I was especially interested in the sections detailing the shifts in religion and the political maneuvers that shaped the modern state. It serves as a solid foundation for anyone looking to understand a part of the world that isn't often covered in mainstream Western education.

What I Didn't Like

The writing style leans heavily toward that of a traditional college textbook. It lacks the dynamic energy and narrative "hook" that some other popular historians use to keep the reader's attention, which made finishing it feel like a chore at times. Additionally, because the book covers such an expansive timeframe, the sheer volume of names, dates, and locations—many of which change over the centuries—can be difficult to keep track of as you progress.

Overall Rating

Final Thoughts: This is a respectable, well-researched volume, but it’s a niche recommendation. If you are a general history buff who typically enjoys fast-paced European or American histories, you might find this a bit of a slog. However, if you have a specific interest in Indonesia and want a comprehensive, factual deep-dive into the region's evolution, this book is worth your time. It has good information; just don't expect a "page-turner."

Content: 🪶🪶🪶✧✧ (3/5 Quills)
Research: 🪶🪶🪶✧✧ (3/5 Quills)
Writing Style: 🪶🪶✧✧✧ (2/5 Quills

The book is exceptionally well-organized. However, a clear structure doesn't always equal an engaging read. While the organization is a strength, the prose itself is quite dry and can feel tedious.

🪶🪶🪶✧✧