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Reformasi: The Struggle for Power in Post-Soeharto Indonesia
This account of Indonesia’s political and economic struggles details events from the final days of President Soeharto’s rule through the first two years of Wahid’s presidency. Drawing on interviews with political figures, government officials, prodemocracy activists, and paramilitary civilians, this book outlines the political crisis that pitted predemocracy reformers against corruptors, Islamists against nationalists, and the elite against the Indonesian people. This in-depth analysis of the world’s fourth largest nation and the world’s largest Muslim country recounts the collapse of the financial system, the downfall of Soeharto, and the relentless power struggles of an unscrupulous ruling class.
512 pages, Paperback
First published July 1, 2002
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About the author
Kevin O'Rourke
5 booksLibrarian Note: There is more than one author by this name in the goodreads data base.
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Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews
September 19, 2016
my dad wrote this book!
March 25, 2025
This book is the first comprehensive read I have encountered that delves into Indonesia’s political history. It provides an in-depth analysis of the power transitions from the eras of Soeharto and Habibie to those of Gus Dur and Megawati.
The narrative begins by exposing the rampant behind-the-scenes politics, particularly prominent during Soeharto’s regime. Back then, many issues were resolved in a manner reminiscent of the traditional Javanese political model—one where subtlety, elaborate theatrics, and courteous language were paramount. The book also highlights how campus activism, led by student movements, played a crucial role in reshaping the country’s political trajectory, especially during the waning days of Soeharto’s rule.
Furthermore, the book does not shy away from discussing the staggering levels of corruption that reached almost unimaginable proportions, particularly among the cronies who wielded power during the Soeharto and Habibie periods. Its historical narrative vividly portrays the personas of both politicians and military generals—many of whom held civilian authority and strategic positions. These figures are depicted as resolute and principled, whether during the era of Soeharto or the subsequent reform period, though the author’s focus underscores the dominance of militarism over democracy.
In my view, the political evolution of Indonesia—from the final days of Soeharto through the administrations of Habibie, Gus Dur, and Megawati—is as intriguing as it is complex, countering the common notion that Indonesian history is mundane.
While Indonesia’s democratic system still grapples with significant shortcomings and is far from ideal, it remains an improvement over the past decade, when politics seemed to revolve solely around image crafting and elaborate posturing. However, in the reform era and beyond, every faction has fiercely sought to secure key positions and control significant portions of power, both overtly and covertly.
In conclusion, I highly recommend this book. Although certain chapters—such as those addressing Indonesia’s economic collapse, the intricate mechanisms of corruption, and the ensuing fiscal crisis—demand additional attention and study, the book as a whole presents a coherent narrative, thorough analysis, and sufficient references, making it a work of notable quality.
The narrative begins by exposing the rampant behind-the-scenes politics, particularly prominent during Soeharto’s regime. Back then, many issues were resolved in a manner reminiscent of the traditional Javanese political model—one where subtlety, elaborate theatrics, and courteous language were paramount. The book also highlights how campus activism, led by student movements, played a crucial role in reshaping the country’s political trajectory, especially during the waning days of Soeharto’s rule.
Furthermore, the book does not shy away from discussing the staggering levels of corruption that reached almost unimaginable proportions, particularly among the cronies who wielded power during the Soeharto and Habibie periods. Its historical narrative vividly portrays the personas of both politicians and military generals—many of whom held civilian authority and strategic positions. These figures are depicted as resolute and principled, whether during the era of Soeharto or the subsequent reform period, though the author’s focus underscores the dominance of militarism over democracy.
In my view, the political evolution of Indonesia—from the final days of Soeharto through the administrations of Habibie, Gus Dur, and Megawati—is as intriguing as it is complex, countering the common notion that Indonesian history is mundane.
While Indonesia’s democratic system still grapples with significant shortcomings and is far from ideal, it remains an improvement over the past decade, when politics seemed to revolve solely around image crafting and elaborate posturing. However, in the reform era and beyond, every faction has fiercely sought to secure key positions and control significant portions of power, both overtly and covertly.
In conclusion, I highly recommend this book. Although certain chapters—such as those addressing Indonesia’s economic collapse, the intricate mechanisms of corruption, and the ensuing fiscal crisis—demand additional attention and study, the book as a whole presents a coherent narrative, thorough analysis, and sufficient references, making it a work of notable quality.
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August 19, 2010Skipped it for a while.
Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews