■ Non-Muslims - the position of Chinese in Indonesia will be a perennial question. The recent incidents against Chinese traders have proven beyond any doubt that the process of assimilation ala Indonesia has not worked. In Indonesia it is mandatory for Chinese to adopt Indonesian names and attend Indonesian schools. This contrasts with the policy in neighboring Malaysia.
■ Corruption and cronysm are endemic and have become cancerous in Indonesia. One reason why the Indonesian economy took a dive apart from policy mismanagement is blamed on corruption and cronyism among the bureaucracy, thye politicians and others who have been entrusted with managing state resources.
■ pressures to secede or break away from the Centre are likely to be felt in Jakarta as in East Timor. The current negotiation to give East Timor more autonomy is likely to encourage some Outer islands to make similar demand. Acheh, a province that has long demanded for independence from Indonesia will also be pushing for greater autonomy. But it has become clear to this observer that Jakarta is not likely to grant independence to any province; East Timor may be the only exception if parliament so decide.
■ political change or democratisation process in Indonesia is not likely to be smooth. The present form of violence may continue even during the elections. This has led some to speculate the possibility of military takeover. There are people who have suggested that some dissident groups in the military are behind the demonstration and street violence.
■ The political instability in Indonesia will have a significant impact on regional security. Among the issues of great concern to regional security include the following：
