End of the New Order (no.55)
The students in Indonesia deserve far more credit than they are getting in the US press. I consider the student action in forcing Suharto's resignation to be a great victory for non-violence, and a seminal example for other countries - whatever the final outcome in Indonesia.

The test for the coming weeks is whether the current momentum is or is not translated into real structural changes - above all the repeal of New Order repressive apparatus, the release and empowerment of political prisoners, and a phasing out of dwifungsi. Absent these reforms, demands for a change in the presidency followed by swift elections could produce a merely cosmetic result: a New Order II under Wiranto.
Peter Dale Scott, Berkeley, 4 June 1998.

Bad economics (no.55)
Yet again: a treasure trove of excellent information, on-the-spot reports, and analysis. The economic analysis a bit threadbare, though. All Inside Indonesia's economic commentators are still making the mistake of writing of 'THE region' - as monolithic East Asia. What about Taiwan ? It still has the world's largest foreign per capita reserves. Growth a healthy 5%. China still 8%. Vietnam hasn't sunk. Thailand looks like rebounding.

Massive exaggeration, Bello's bellowing (no.54): equating East Asia's recession with Soviet style collapse. Typically inverted Christian Philipino Marxist Apocalypse Now.

Beeson's better article (no.55) doesn't answer his own question: 'Why has Indonesia been particularly hard hit?'.
Chris Beale, Asiainfo, Sydney, 1 August 1998.

Islam & East Indonesia
I'm not sure if I agree with your favourable analysis of Pak Amien (Digest 65, on Inside Indonesia's Web site). Triumphalist Islam doesn't even bother to put token Christians in the cabinet or top echelons of the public service any more. Members of the East Indonesian Christian political elites, who used to have good positions in Jakarta, are wondering what's in it for them as a part of the Republic. If this trend continues, we will see the provincial elites across East Indonesia working together in a block for the first time since the reformation. Icmi-controlled think tanks now control Eastern Indonesia development directly, with the help of dummy Australia.

The economic mess in Jakarta will only prolong and intensify the Java first policy and also intensify Javanese transmigration to, and exploitation of, eastern Indonesia. This won't happen without resistance.
Michael Grant, Perth, 19 May 1998.

Camdessus' lesson (no.54)
Walden Bello's article The end of the Asian miracle has an interesting photo showing President Suharto signing the IMF reform package. It correctly says: 'The humbling of Suharto'. Camdessus should have learned a little bit about Asian customs and culture. Standing there with crossed arms while an important Asian person signs a document does not go over too well in Asia!

Would be interesting to find out whether Pijar will have their suggestions accepted. Let's hope so, after all, the Republik started way back as a result of student agitation and suggestions!
John Aarsse, Nambour, Australia, 17 April 1998.