Abstracts » News, opinion and commentary

Voting by the rules

Article Abstract:

Many questions remain about the first free election to be held in Indonesia since 1955. President B.J. Habibie, the former technology minister who has introduced vast reform measures, may be losing support to Megawati Sukarnoputri and his Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle. The military has not become involved in the election but they maintain a significant presence. Political debate has been marked by little violence as of June 1999, but the atmosphere remains charged. The elections are being covered by a media not under the control of government censorship.

Political activity, Elections, Freedom of the press, Habibie, B.J.

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Democracy put to the ballot

Article Abstract:

Indonesians will descend to the voting booths June 1999 to chose political leadership for the first time in 40 years. The ballot will display emblems such as a crescent moon or Muslim star to guide the mostly illiterate voters through 48 political parties and 462 seats. Many expect and have discovered election fraud, but claim any election is better than no election. As many as 500 observers including former US president Jimmy Carter and Australian parliamentarians are expected as foreign observers. The parties and political favorites are surveyed.

Australia, Political campaigns, Representative government and representation, Representative government, Election monitoring

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Uncivil unrest

Article Abstract:

A view of the Dyak civil unrest in Kalimantan, Borneo, is presented. The fragile ethnic balance has been destroyed by the usually gentle Dyaks' bloody attacks on the immigrant Madurese population who are perceived to be destroying the Dyak culture.

Civil war, Borneo

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