Toward a new Foreign Policy in Indonesia, The Islamic Giant in Southeast Asia
Abstract
Indonesia has been embroiled in an extraordinarily complex political, economic and social crisis since 1997. The Asian financial crisis led to a virtual economic and financial collapse that resulted in currency destabilization, a sharp increase in prices and interest rates, massive unemployment, and poverty. Between 1997 and 1998 the value of the currency sank to less than one-sixth of its pre-crisi value (Stalker, 2000, 4). Between 1996 to early 1999, the proportion of the population living below the poverty line increased from 17% to 27% (Stalker, 2000, 6). The economic crisis reversed three decades of steady economic growth achieved during the Suharto regime. Over that 30-year period, the provision of basic infrastructure (water, roads, electricity, schools) increased. Indonesians became wealthier, healthier, and better educated, but they also had to endure a corrupt and repressive regime. The precipitous fall in the economy dramatically illustrated the fragility of economic and financial institutions and led to a violent uprising among the population to demand an end to the authoritarian regime of President Suharto. The downfall of authoritarianism could have prompted Indonesia to retreat into another round of repressive leadership, nationalism, and isolationism. Instead, the people demanded an end to corruption, collusion and nepotism, and expressed their voice for a more just and democratic government.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jan 01, 2002
- Accession Number
- ADA442482
Entities
People
- Leslie B. Curtin
Organizations
- National War College