Indonesia Today: Challenges of History

It is often said that history can function as a guide to the future. At the turn of the century and the crossroads of reformasi, it is timely to examine aspects of Indonesia's political, economic and social history -- the lessons, challenges and achievements -- both to inform current events, as well as to indicate where Indonesia is heading. This volume makes an important contribution to considerations of the Indonesia of the new millennium, and the addressing of problems free from the exigencies of the present and prejudices of the past. Indonesia Today provides the latest, up-to-date overview of economic and political developments in Indonesia under President Abdurrahman Wahid. It also explores events, processes and themes in (mainly 20th century) Indonesia -- including the evolution of political institutions and democracy, economic development and political economy, religious and social movements, political ideology and the role of the armed forces -- putting the mirror to historical events in order to shed light on the issues of Indonesia today.