Fresh start in Jakarta

Fresh start in Jakarta

The new government in Indonesia, gives hope after years of
drift. President Megawati Soekarnoputri has won praise for a
cabinet that favored professionalism over politics. But the
massacre of at least 30 civilians in a province on Thursday was
evidence of the challenges facing the new leader. The Bush
administration faces a challenge, too: how to show support for
this new government while encouraging respect for human rights
and a subordinated role of the military.

She has assembled an economic team capable of jump-starting
reform. In a country as poor as Indonesia, where the economy
remains 10 percent smaller than before Asia's financial crash
four years ago, that is essential. And whereas Mrs. Megawati's
nationalism and close ties to some generals have raised fears
about her commitment to civilian control, her cabinet does not
seem to be under military sway.

Still, there are reasons to worry about how she will handle
separatist movements, especially in Aceh, where 1,100 people have
been killed this year and the most recent massacre occurred.

The military and rebels blamed each other for the killings;
aggressiveness on both sides has clouded any chance of
compromise. Recently the government arrested six rebel leaders
who had been granted safe passage to negotiate. Human Rights
Watch warned that the arrests would likely lead to an escalation
of the war. Meanwhile, military officers accused of crimes in
Aceh and East Timor have yet to be tried.

How all this turns out matters a great deal. Indonesia, one of
the world's most populous nations, sits astride crucial
waterways. And the success or failure of its democracy will
resonate throughout Asia. The Bush administration has recognized
its importance and is reaching out to Mrs. Megawati. But it also
is considering an upgrading of ties with the military that at
this point would be premature. Such an improvement should come
only as the new government demonstrates its commitment to
democracy, civilian rule and dialogue with opponents.

-- The Washington Post