The aura of calm efficiency surrounding the new Indonesian
administration of president Megawati Soekarnoputri has come as a
relief to most Indonesians. After nearly four years of riots, coup
rumours, unpredictable policymaking and political infighting, a
rest is as good as a holiday.
Behind the scenes there is considerable activity to lay the
foundations of a well-run government. The president has appointed a
cabinet of respected professionals. A new letter of intent has been
signed with the IMF. In a move that will restore stability to
regional politics, the president has visited all Indonesia's
neighbours and received Australia's premier.
The military, whose support was crucial to her smooth takeover,
says it is willing to pull out of politics, and the president says
any official doing business with members of her family will be
fired. The currency, has leapt more than 30% and a crucial debt
rescheduling with the Paris Club is...
