Fall of Suharto

How Indonesia’s democratic transition transformed Aceh

With no internal wars to fight, Yudhoyono can afford to reform the military

Our new edition shows how far Indonesia has come, and how much remains to be done

About cooking, studying Java, and other serious pleasures

Authorities blame the recent Jakarta riots on the coalition PRD. It has hundreds of members, but military leaders liken it to the PKI of the 1960s, which had millions. Who are these 1990s activists? VANNESSA HEARMAN visited with one of the coalition partners earlier this year, and filed this inside story.

The events of 27 July have led many to speculate about a more democratic order after the end of Suharto's powerful rule. MICHAEL VAN LANGENBERG warns such speculation may be misplaced.

Transition to a post-Suharto era in Jakarta could be window of opportunity for East Timor. What might that window offer, asks COKI NAIPOSPOS?

Students are few in number but loom large on the political stage. The PRD affair demonstrated this once more. In this reflective essay, ARIEL HERYANTO asks why this should be so.

As riots erupt across the country, Suharto is forcing rich companies to contribute to a private anti-poverty foundation. But, for DAVID BOURCHIER and IAN CHALMERS, the move smacks of personal greed.

Parliament, Aberson Marle Sihaloho explains to SHARON TICKLE over lunch, can never do a good job under Suharto.

The fires were no natural disaster, says JOKO WALUYO. The smoking gun is in the hands of plantation companies.

The riot that engulfed Jakarta on 27 July 1996 started after army-backed gangsters invaded Megawati's PDI headquarters. JESSE RANDALL traces the strange relationship between government and criminality.

Abri officers are becoming more Islamic, but many do not want their Islam to become a political tool for the administration, according to MARCUS MIETZNER.

Senior ABRI intentions may be obscure now, says BOB LOWRY, but no one should assume they will remain that way.

DAMIEN KINGSBURY puts his money on five military winners in the presidential stakes. Indonesians call them the five Pendawa.

It's lonely in the Forestry Minister's office, says GERRY VAN KLINKEN.

Facing a sceptical public, Abri has to talk harder to justify its political role. JUN HONNA listens in.

HERTJE SURIPATTY tells how developers used soldiers and thugs to try to force her out.

The currency crisis is making Thailand more democratic, but not Indonesia, says PRIYAMBUDI.