Abstract

Indonesia: Pride & Politics

This article takes a look at the political situation in Indonesia. Indonesia is by far the most important country of Southeast Asia, dwarfing Vietnam into insignificance. With almost 110 million inhabitants, it is the fifth most populous state in the world and the most populous of all Islamic countries. An understanding of Indonesia's politics and policies must include a definition of those who make the major decisions at the national level. President Achmad Sukarno, ardent nationalist, superb orator but without his own political party. Closely grouped around him are several individuals and groups that are always in competition. This political balance was largely established in 1959, and has been maintained, with certain shifts, in power, to the present.