Indonesia in a Spiral

Indonesia appears to be slipping into chaos, and it is not at all clear that the current government is capable of pulling it out. The government’s violent backlash at student protests in Jakarta has spun a web of fighting, looting and burning in other parts of the country. President B.J. Habibie, for whom expectations were not great when he succeeded Suharto last May, has proved that he is merely a purveyor of the old autocratic status quo of his predecessor and mentor.

Habibie’s failure of leadership has infuriated student activists, who renewed their May demonstrations last month with calls for greater democracy and a trial for Suharto on corruption charges. An earlier inquiry found no wrongdoing by Suharto, who is believed to have amassed a fortune of $40 billion during his 32-year rule. Habibie answered the students with a military crackdown that resulted in the deaths of 16 students and others.

A special session of the People’s Consultative Assembly was held two weeks ago, and several reforms were approved. Parliamentary elections were set for June 7. Habibie also finally agreed to appoint a commission to investigate Suharto’s wealth, and questioning of the former president is scheduled for this week. It all may be too little too late.

The civil unrest engulfing Indonesia has been taking national unity apart at the seams. Ethnic Chinese are targets of violence. Muslims are attacking Christian churches. Political parties are brawling in the streets. Habibie, who had promised orderly change, is being overtaken faster than he can act.