On Indonesia

On Indonesia

After the authoritarian Soeharto period, (the newly elected
speaker of Indonesia's legislature) Amien Rais has become the
first official to be freely elected by secret ballot.

His election and the bringing forward of the presidential
elections reflect important deal making behind the scenes. Rais
has earned the backing of reformist and Muslim parties, as well
as the former ruling party Golkar.

At play are many interests and motives -- by no means all
benign toward reform -- and the outcome is unpredictable. Those
Indonesians advocating the difficult cause of democratic reform
should know they have the support and encouragement of people
throughout the region.

-- The Australian, Sydney, Australia,