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The name of this article may be somewhat misleading. The titular opera is a comedic, entertaining musical about the struggles of the lower classes of society, which has drawn controversy and criticism because of the lighthearted manner in which it deals with these social problems instead of provoking a more thoughtful discourse. However, Zurbuchen simply uses a scene from the opera, as well as commenting on its various themes, as a framing device for her real topic, which details the struggles of the Indonesian government to preserve its native art forms. It is a complicated, many-layered issue that does not lend itself to light reading. Plenty of background information is given, however, to aid the reader’s understanding. Zurbuchen explains why certain aspects like using museums to preserve cultural artifacts are not as effective or realistic worldwide as one would believe, and notes the struggles between “preserving unity and oneness” as a culture while still recognizing and legitimatizing the differing trends that make up the Indonesian arts. Even with these detailed analyses, it feels as though one article cannot begin to touch upon the true depths of the issue, yet for an article it has undoubtedly accomplished its intentions in comparing it with the themes of the opera.
 * Images of Culture and National Development in Indonesia: // The Cockroach Opera // **. By Mary S. Zurbuchen. __ATJ__, Fall 1990. 7.2. 23 pp.