This dissertation addresses the complex dynamics of the Indonesian Communist Purge in 1965-1966, a catastrophic event in human history marked by mass killings orchestrated by the Indonesian Army and allied local militias. Focusing on East Java, the study employs innovative research methodologies to dissect the distinct roles of these perpetrators and their impact on the scale of the purge. By measuring the influence of the army and militias at the local level through settlement proximity, this work finds that both entities significantly contributed to the purge, with the army playing a more decisive role, covering a broader geographical area. Exploring the broader context of mass violence, the dissertation delves into the deep-seated political and religious tensions between the abangan (who supported the PKI) and the santri (who opposed the PKI) communities. Employing distance-based proxies, the study quantifies the relationship between community connections and the extent of violence, emphasizing the crucial role of social networks in shaping the dominance or resistance of different groups during the killings. Additionally, the research sheds light on the multifaceted motivations driving military actors at different hierarchical levels, uncovering variations in killings among various kodim units. The study suggests that remoteness correlated with greater independence in decision-making, although data limitations hinder definitive conclusions regarding the influence of political and economic motivations. The investigations comprising this dissertation collectively contribute distinct perspectives on our understanding of the Indonesian Communist Purge and offer geographic insights for preventing future mass violence.
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