Indonesia's basic MelanesianûMalay ethnic division disguises a very diverse society. At least 250 languages or dialects are spoken. Urbanization and the national language, Bahasa Indonesia, have acted as unifying factors. The Javanese-dominated central government, however, has caused much resentment by attempting to suppress local culture and politics in order to create a national identity. The East Timoreans, the Aceh of northern Sumatra and the Papuans of Irian Jaya, denied autonomy, are all in conflict with the government.
Discrimination against the Chinese community, which has included a ban on Chinese script, has not undermined its dominance of big business.
The traditional extended family is breaking down in urban areas. There is sexual equality by law, and women are taking an increasingly active economic role û led by President Suharto's wife and daughter, both engaged in business.
