The Future of Indonesia
Looks at both pessimistic & optimistic views of the economic, political, & social crisis in Indonesia. Reasons for the current situation are examined to argue that Indonesia is still a "real country" that deserves to be resuscitated. It is maintained that a key condition for strengthening Indonesia & other multi-ethnic nation-states is that no single ethnic group should hold an electoral majority or control the state mechanism. The fact that Indonesia's national language & history are not based on the legacy of any one ethnic or religious group is said to be a plus factor. Special attention is given to the tremendous political, economic, cultural, & moral damage caused by over 30 years of the Suharto regime which enjoyed international support for almost all of its duration. Various suggested remedies are explored, including greater deregulation of the state & "regional autonomy." Possible parallels with Canada are examined, especially in relation to separatist movements within their internationally recognized borders. 11 References. J. Lindroth