Succession Politics in Indonesia : The 1998 Presidential Elections and the Fall of Suharto

How was a thirty-two year old authoritarian regime brought down and what augurs in its place? This book attempts to examine the background factors as well as the trigger that led to Suharto's resignation, amidst the power struggle that has been taking place in the opaque political world of Indonesia. Equally important, the ways in which the 'new' powerbrokers, with Suharto remaining influential in the background, have tried to adapt themselves to the new environment are also examined. Finally, the meaning of Suharto's resignation and what has changed and remained static are analysed. How can one explain the fall of a long-term 'strongman' in May 1998, who had not only ruled for thirty-two years but had also been unanimously elected seventy-two days earlier? Was he the victim of a power struggle among the political elite, including the military, or was his fall simply the result of a momentum that had built up over many years and which exploded with the onset of the financial crisis? Equally importantly, what changes have occurred in Indonesia following the collapse of the 'new order'? Is it 'Suhartoism without Suharto' or is a new Indonesia really emerging? What are the internal and external changes brought about by the new regime, and what does the future hold for Indonesia and its people? These critical questions and issues are addressed by this book. While the general and presidential elections of June and November 1999 will determine Indonesia's direction, the events since May 1998 will play a crucial role in determining the actual outcome "How can one explain the fall of a long-term 'strongman' in May 1998, who had not only ruled for thirty-two years but had also been unanimously elected seventy-two days earlier? Was he the victim of a power struggle among the political elite, including the military, or was his fall simply the result of a momentum that had built up over many years and which exploded with the onset of the financial crisis? Equally importantly, what changes have occurred in Indonesia following the collapse of the 'new order'? Is it 'Suhartoism without Suharto' or is a new Indonesia really emerging? What are the internal and external changes brought about by the new regime, and what does the future hold for Indonesia and its people?" "These critical questions and issues are addressed by this book."--BOOK JACKET. How was a thirty-two year old authoritarian regime brought down and what augurs in its place? Here, an attempt is made to examine the background factors as well as the trigger that led to Suharto's resignation, amidst the power struggle that has been taking place in the opaque political world of Indonesia. Equally important are the ways in which the "new" powerbrokers have tried to adapt themselves to the new environment. That is examined along with the meaning of Suharto's resignation.