Indonesia
Indonesia

Author: Marshall Green

Publisher: Howells House

Published: 1990

Total Pages: 192

ISBN-13: 9780929590028

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Here, published for the first time, is the story of Washington's role in one of the most significant turning points in Asian history - the turbulent transfer of power from President Sukarno to President Suharto in Indonesia, one of the world's largest and most important countries. After much speculation over covert U.S. action in the Indonesian drama, this book records with authority and candor precisely what the U.S. did and did not do. Beginning in 1965, as the Vietnam war intensified, a series of dramatic events occurred in Indonesia leading to the collapse of Indonesia's Communist Party (then the world's third largest), the removal of the flamboyant, pro-Communist President Sukarno, and his replacement by President Suharto who has provided over twenty-five years of sound leadership. The U.S. and its friends had an enormous stake in the outcome of the Indonesian crisis, but the U.S. wisely exercised restraint despite attacks on its Embassy and Consulates. This fast-paced, lucid account, written with humor and human concern by one of America's most talented and experienced diplomats and illustrated with photos of key moments, captures the drama and significance of these events. Former Assistant Secretary of State William Bundy's foreword testifies from the Washington perspective to the author's courage and wisdom in action.

The Transition to Guided Democracy
The Transition to Guided Democracy

Author: Daniel S. Lev

Publisher: Equinox Publishing

Published: 2009

Total Pages: 321

ISBN-13: 6028397407

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Periods of major political transition are generally so complex as to present the political analyst with one of his most difficult challenges. Indonesia between 1957 and 1959 was no exception. During these years a previously wide diffusion of political power was superseded by its increasing concentration in three major bases: President Soekarno, the Army and the Communist Party. This was also a period of crisis in the relationships of Djakarta and Java with the other major islands of the archipelago; and it was marked by ideological ferment and change, largely dominated by the views of President Soekarno. It was during these years that Guided Democracy was given its initial shape, with the stage being set for a power struggle which was to become increasingly intense. So dramatic were the political experiences of this period and so deeply etched in the minds of many Indonesians that their effect is still strongly felt and can be expected to influence the character of Indonesia's political development for many years to come. Dr. Daniel S. Lev is particularly well qualified to examine the course of Indonesian political developments between 1957 and 1959. Arriving in Indonesia towards the end of this period, he remained there for three years engaged in an intensive study of its political life. His monograph constitutes by far the most searching analysis yet to appear of this critically important period. As well as providing a guide to these earlier formative years in the nation's political development, it will, I am sure, long remain relevant for all those seriously interested in understanding contemporary Indonesian political life. - George McT. Kahin, August 10, 1966