Regional Development Programmes and the Life-dynamics of Tomohonese Women

This article examines the interrelationships between regional development programmes introduced in Indonesia during Soeharto's New Order and women's responses to such programmes in the northern Sulawesi community of Tomohon. Three major areas of socio-economic change and development in Indonesia are considered: industrialization and factory work, tourism-related activities, and overseas contract work. Women are seen as active and reflexive actors in these processes and it is argued that they seek alternative employment for reasons of economic advancement and personal circumstances, and, importantly, in search of new life experiences.