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