Habibie's burdens

Habibie's burdens

B.J. Habibie is only the third president in Indonesia's 50-
year postcolonial history, but he assumes office with two heavy
burdens that could make his tenure brief.

Habibie's first problem is Indonesia's months-old economic
crisis. Touted only a year ago as a model of poor-country
development, this archipelago nation of 210 million is growing
poorer by the day. Its currency is worth a quarter of its 1977
value, factories have pretty much stopped working and
unemployment is on the rise. Two weeks of political unrest and
one night of vengeful rioting have scared away whatever investors
remained.

Habibie has pledged to adhere to an economic restructuring
program approved by the International Monetary Fund. But at best,
such a program will not bring the quick relief many Indonesians
expect, and Habibie's record of support for state-sponsored
industrial boondoggles has left many people skeptical of his
reform credentials.

The new president's second burden, in a country agitating for
more democracy, is his close association with the now discredited
former president, Soeharto. His recent conversion to the cause of
clean government and antinepotism again remains to be proved.

Yet many Indonesians seem ready at least to give Habibie and
his new government a chance. The spasm of mob looting and arson
that caused uncounted damage and sent expatriates fleeing
frightened many people and left them welcoming at least an
interval of calm. And even many democracy advocates say a period
of economic stabilization should precede elections.

How long that period should be remains much in dispute. Some
leading opposition figures, and even some members of Habibie's
cabinet, are calling for a vote within a year. Other government
officials seem to think that Habibie can serve the full five-year
term Soeharto recently had awarded himself.

Either way, Indonesians will be looking for early and
meaningful signs of political reform, including a freeing of
political prisoners, an end to press censorship and the
legalization of peaceful political activity by a broad spectrum
of parties and organizations. A clear commitment to a transition
to democracy would give Habibie his best shot at overcoming his
handicaps.

-- The Washington Post