1、Congressional Research Service The Library of CongressCRS Report for CongressReceived through the CRS Web98-468 FUpdated May 18, 1998Indonesia: May 1998 Political Crisis andImplications for U.S. PolicyLarry NikschSpecialist in Asian AffairsForeign Affairs and National Defense DivisionSummaryAfter ye
2、ars of mounting political tensions and amidst acute economic difficulties,the shooting of students by Indonesian riot police and massive rioting in Jakarta,Indonesias capital, in May 1998 has moved the crisis into a more uncertain period. Thepolitical crisis centers on demands from anti-government a
3、ctivists, supported by largenumbers of university students, for political changes including President Suhartosresignation, a clarification of presidential succession, an end to corruption and economicprivileges, open elections, and independence of parliament and political parties fromgovernment cont
4、rol. Another key issue is the influential role of the military inIndonesias politics and government. Several scenarios or outcomes are possible in thenear term: a Burma-style military crackdown on anti-government elements, the initiationof limited political reforms by Suharto, action by the military
