Indonesia in 2003: the security obsession

The year 2003 in Indonesia was characterized by an attempt to overcome social restlessness and political strife through a 'security approach'. Megawati's presidency was more assertive due to her strenuous battle to curb insecurity in various ways: imposing martial law in Aceh, waging...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Archipel 2004-01, Vol.67, p.203-224
Main Author: Raillon, François
Format: Article
Language:fre
Subjects:
Authoritarianism
Government policy
Indonesia
Martial law
Military regimes
National security
Political change
Presidential elections
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Summary:The year 2003 in Indonesia was characterized by an attempt to overcome social restlessness and political strife through a 'security approach'. Megawati's presidency was more assertive due to her strenuous battle to curb insecurity in various ways: imposing martial law in Aceh, waging a local war on terrorism especially after the Marriott bombing, and leading a more active foreign policy. These efforts at stabilizing Indonesia were meant to prepare for the general and presidential elections in 2004, and improve the chances of the current head of state to be reelected. However, the army seemed intent to reemerge as a political force, while Golkar, the former party of general Soeharto, was making a political comeback. Megawati Soekarnoputri tried to deal with these challenges by using a strong hand, and courting a public opinion that is turning more conservative. Presenting facts and analyses, this articles conveys the changing moods of 2003, which may portend the end of reformasi and a return to authoritarianism. Reprinted by permission of Éditions de l'École des hautes études en sciences sociales
ISSN:0044-8613