B.A. HAMZAH
1. I was in Indonesia last week (late November 1998). I traveled quite extensively in Jakarta. In fact I was caught in the demonstration around the Palace on Wednesday (26/11). I was allowed to pass through. Jakarta was not on fire as it is made out by some western media. There were some disturbances - but these problems - did not give me the impression that the Government of Habibie was falling apart. I believe Habibie will last until June 7,1999- when the parliamentary election is called for. The presidential election to elect the President of Indonesia will be held later than June 7, 1999.GOLKAR is likely to nominate Habibie as its candidate. And in my opinion, the students realise that if they want democratic processes to begin in earnest, they must at least give the elections a chance. A new takeover government may delay the elections or, if for some reasons, the military were to take over- it may not call for elections at all.
2. The problems in Indonesia have long been associated with authoritarian rule that has been made complicated by the economic crisis. If the July 1997 contagion did not attack Indonesia, Suharto would remain in office and very little political changes would have taken place. In a way, the economic contagion which first attacked the Thai baht and later spread like wild fire in the region was a blessing in disguise for Indonesia's political development. It triggered the downfall of president Suharto. Efforts to dislodge him have not been successful. But in fairness to Suharto who have been in power for more than 30 years (32 years to be exact) he has done much Indonesia.
