## An Indonesian Story

## Source details

**Canonical URL:** [An Indonesian Story](https://www.imf.org/-/media/files/publications/fandd/article/2018/june/book3.pdf)

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### Scope and central narrative
- The book covers Indonesia’s transformation since the 1997–98 financial, economic, and political crisis, framed metaphorically by a Phoenix rising.
- The narrative is an account of three simultaneous and interacting crises: financial, agricultural, and political.
- The book uses anecdotes, personal reflections, and interviews to illuminate causes and consequences of the crisis and drivers of resurgence.

### Account of the 1997–98 crisis (first half of the book)
- Focuses on the unfolding of the 1998 crisis and the intersection of multiple interests:
  - International and Indonesian technocrats with limited understanding of political ramifications.
  - Political, military, and commercial elites defending their interests.
  - Ordinary workers, peasants, and students who bore the brunt of the crisis and demanded greater voice in government.
- Describes the sudden climax over one week in May 1998:
  - Riots in the streets.
  - The killing of four students at Trisakti University.
  - The eventual departure of President Suharto.

### Post-Suharto transition (second half of the book)
- Focuses on the noisy, often chaotic transition toward democracy, a free press, and emphasis on human rights and the rule of law.
- Highlights the pivotal role of Habibie’s 18-month presidency:
  - Trimmed the powers of the presidency.
  - Enhanced the role of local governments.
  - Restored basic freedoms.
  - Allowed the East Timorese to vote for independence.
  - While doing the above, protected the country’s key institutions and the interests of the elites.

### Coverage gaps and author perspective
- The book gives scant attention to the next three presidents—Abdurrahman Wahid (Gus Dur), Megawati, and Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono (SBY).
- The omission of SBY’s 10-year administration (2004–14) is noted as particularly unfortunate because it would have helped explain why Jokowi inherited:
  - Rampant corruption.
  - A large infrastructure deficit.
  - Unsustainable fuel subsidies.
  - Growing intolerance toward minorities.
- The book gives a glowing account of President Joko Widodo (Jokowi)’s meteoric rise.
- The author, a self-confessed optimist, describes Indonesia as “an archipelago of possibilities,” but the review notes the book glides over deep social, economic, spatial, and religious fault lines.

### Style and critique
- The book’s discursive style is often as choppy and turbulent as the events it describes.
- Periodic digressions about the challenges of other countries, especially India and China, are considered unhelpful.
- Despite shortcomings, the book is judged a useful addition to the literature on Indonesia during a critical part of its history.

### Publication details cited on the page
- Author: Vasuki Shastry
- Title: Resurgent Indonesia: From Crisis to Confidence
- Publisher: Straits Times Press Books, Singapore
- Year: 2018
- Length: 248 pp.
- Price: $35

*Source: FINANCE & DEVELOPMENT, June 2018, p. 59*

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_Source: https://www.imf.org/-/media/files/publications/fandd/article/2018/june/book3.pdf_