The Fallout of Indonesia

Recent developments in Indonesia are clearly indicating that the country is facing a bleak future. The second censure of President Abdur Rahman Wahid by the Indonesian Parliament clearly indicates that corruption and nepotism are part and parcel of Indonesian politics. Added to this is the problem of renegade provinces like Aceh and West Papua, which are trying to free themselves from the Indonesian federation. The Indonesian economy is in shambles and there is no worthwhile effort to get it back on track. A look at Indonesia's history will clearly indicate that this country has always had a troubled past.

In 1948 Indonesia fought for Independence against the Dutch. During this war, the leadership split into right and left wings. This led to a small-scale civil war in the island of Java which left many people dead resulting in the radical nationalists being suppressed.

In 1965 an attempted coup by junior military officers left six generals dead and a revolutionary council was formed. But Suharto in charge of the army's strategic strike suppressed it immediately, which led to one of the ugliest massacres of the 20th century. About a million people were murdered and the communist party was flushed out of Indonesia.

The reasons for the current imbroglio are the following:

The main reason is the stupendous success of the Indonesian economy. In the last 25 years the Indonesian economy has grown by leaps and bounds helped by external investments, loans and aid which in turn has produced a highly discontented working class. Wages are low and working conditions are miserable. This has led to a spate of strikes by the workers. On the one hand you have the restless working class and on the other there is the privileged ruling class afraid that its clout and wealth may be lost.

The second most important thing affecting Indonesia is the issue of corruption. Indonesia is one of the most corrupt countries in the world. First it was members of Suharto's family who were amassing huge fortunes through various contracts. Now the accusing finger is pointed at the present President Abdur Rahman Wahid.

The third reason is the issue of renegade provinces like Aceh and West Papua which are fighting for independence. Communal riots have rocked these islands for many days and no right step to control this turmoil has been taken by the Indonesian government. The military is biased and does not come to the aid of the minority communties. This was very clear during the East Timor crisis when pro-Indonesian militia were massacring innocent East Timorese in the presence of Indonesia's army.

The fourth reason is the absence of a strong leader in Indonesian politics who can give hope and show the right direction. Though Wahid and Megawati Sukarnoputri are popular, they lack the charisma of Sukarno or the leadership skills of Suharto.

These causes are threatening the future of Indonesia. Only a strong leadership which is committed to root out corruption, improve working conditions and control communal riots with an iron fist will lead to peace in this region.