Shadow of a Revolution: Indonesia and the Generals

by Roland Challis

A fascinating and thorough history presents a gripping first-hand account of how, after achieving independence for Indonesia, President Sukarno was ousted from his reign and replaced by President Suharto, who then reigned for thiry years, and examines the political and economic progress of Indonesia.

224 pages, Hardcover

First published August 1, 2001

Reviews

[Nick · Rating 3 out of 5]

Challis is an Australian journalist. His dissection of the independence movement, the Sukarno and the Suharto eras is clear and convincing. He explains as much as can be explained about the "Year of Living Dangerously", the coup, the counter-coup, the ascent of Suharto and the marginalization of Sukarno. He explains the Indonesian campaign to retain East Timor. And he's very good on how the international powers, including the Americans, alternately ignored and encouraged Indonesia. The only complaint is that was published long enough ago that it doesn't cover the current president.