Indonesia: An Eyewitness Account

by Michael Maher

Michael Maher was sent to Jakarta as the Australian Broadcasting Corporation's Indonesian correspondent in 1993. This book is his account of the next six tumultuous years.

Maher states in the introduction that his aim was to write an "accessible" book that was not intended to be exhaustive and which would go some way towards "lifting the veil" on Indonesia. He succeeds, with a perceptive and entertaining narrative style, in conveying the feelings, moods and the reality of the people and situations behind the stark headlines. Through his sympathetic and compassionate view we are privy to what is, ultimately, a sad story of lives and cultures, and of opportunities destroyed in this vibrant country through corruption, fragmentation and lack of leadership.

Genres: Nonfiction, History

274 pages, Paperback

First published October 1, 2000

Reviews

[Matthew Donohue · Rating 5 out of 5]

An easy to read historical book on Suharto’s downfall told by an Australian journalist. Describes the embarrassing excesses of Suharto’s children.

[Z · Rating 4 out of 5]

An insightful read for beginners about one of the most crucial moments of the New Order. Written by an Australian journalist in his five-year deployment (1993-1998) during the period of heavy red tape and media censorship, this book offers a rare glimpse of the thoughts of key people surrounding the First Family as well as prominent figures catalyzing his dethronement.

The chronological format helps readers to understand the sequence of events, the speed of response and the pivotal role of ABRI especially nearing Soeharto's fall.

The author's point of view weaved into his recount is hardly subjective, making the book a little bit more enjoyable than just a dull platter of facts taken out of a history textbook.

[Agustinus Wibowo · Rating 5 out of 5]

As an Indonesian myself, I always fascinated to read the history of my country written by foreign journalists, because it gives really different perspective. not only just different of what we learned in Indonesia during the New Order, Maher is capable to offer sharp observation, together with satirical jokes and dark humors. My favorite is when he was waiting for Megawati for hours before a meeting, as this former president of Indonesia was infamous of being late. The lady then apologized that she was late because of taking showers (!), Maher commented that at the end he was the one who needed shower after the long wait in such unforgiving Indonesian heat.