Wang Jen-shu, the first ambassador to Indonesia of the People’s Republic of China, spent a troubled couple of years as Beijing’s man in Jakarta in the early 1950s.
Politics
“I ask that all Indonesians pray that he gets well soon. I ask for everyone’s help in fighting radicalism and terrorism because we can only do it together.”
Australia is fortunate to have a neighbour to its north that is largely unified. Predictable, if unspectacular, growth has “helped Indonesia consolidate democracy”.
The recent protests have signified the largest student movement since the fall of Soeharto’s regime in 1998. But today, there is no single, clearly defined enemy.
A look at law-enforcement cooperation between Australia and Indonesia… filled with valuable lessons about the value of face-to- face engagement, and deep expertise on bureaucratic systems and political culture.
Sukarno’s granddaughter and the daughter of former President Megawati Sukarnoputri, was unanimously elected as House speaker.
Hundreds of high school and university students gathered near the national Parliament in Jakarta on Monday. Police used tear gas to disperse the protesters after sundown.
Analysts expressed concern that the recent developments could hamper Indonesia’s efforts to combat corruption, or worse still, shake the foundations of democracy in the country.
The latest demonstrations have been the biggest student protests since 1998. “I think the internet now has been inseparable with student movements.”
Over recent years, politics in Indonesia has seen a focus on personalities, resulting in institutional issues and historical economical and power structures being ignored.
Thousands of students have taken to the streets in Indonesia to protest against a “disastrous” draft criminal code that would include outlawing extramarital sex and a controversial new law.
Professor Tim Lindsey of the University of Melbourne’s Centre for Indonesian Law, Islam and Society said the ‘highly conservative’ laws would apply to foreigners who visit Bali.
The reforms have alarmed anti-corruption activists, who fear they are meant to weaken the agency.
It’s difficult to argue with the KPK’s almost perfect conviction record, a consistent 80% approval rating from the public and an average of 7,000 corruption tip-offs a year.
As we attempt to reflect on the record of B. J. Habibie as president, it is well to recall these atmospherics and dynamics that confronted him as he assumed the reins of power.
Former President B J Habibie, who came to power during the country’s turbulent transition to democracy after former strongman leader Suharto stepped down in 1998, has died.
