Cultural travel and migrancy examines how people in West Java use modern media such as radio, television, and cassettes to give expression to their thoughts and feelings about problems of contemporary life. It describes artistic approaches to globalization, one of the problems that has been felt most pressing during the late New Order and early Reformation. Situating itself at this remarkable turning-point in Indonesian history, it shows that local artists have not been mere victims or products of globalization, but virtual migrants who self-consciously steer the electronic media on their worldwide travels. The book gives an analysis of relevant case-studies and historical debates on culture and representation in Indonesia and the West, and also provides an overview of early developments and recent trends in the Indonesian and West Javanese media landscapes. With its focus on Sundanese language and culture, it is a pioneering and gap-filling complement to the existing literature on media.

Edwin Jurriëns is a lecturer in Indonesian language and culture at the University of New South Wales (Australian Defence Force Academy) in Canberra.