While the turbulent political situation in Indonesia in 1999 was one of the "hot points" drawing great concern of the international community, the birth of a democratic government in October marked the end of the military autocracy and the beginning of a new chapter in the history of the biggest country in Southeast Asia.

Indonesia has been ruled by military dictators for the past 30 years. It was faced with a strong political and economic reform movement triggered by the 1997 monetary crisis in Asian countries. On May 21, 1998, former president Soeharto had no choice but to step down amid a serious political crisis. Since then, people have been dreaming of a new Indonesia, totally different from the past. But the followers of the former regime tried to keep their vested interests by creating social unrest everywhere, pushing the country into a long-drawn-out political turbulence and a grave economic recession.

However, a radical political and economic reformation had become the trend of the times and the desire of the people. Under the pressure of the democratic movement, Soeharto's successor, B.J. Habibie, had to advance the parliamentary election from 2003 to June 1999.

The first multi-party election in 40 years resulted in a new political pattern dominated by reformist groups. In October, the People's Consultative Assembly (MPR), the country's highest legislative body, elected leaders of reformist parties and well- known personages as the country's president, vice president as well as legislative leaders. The MPR also deliberated and amended a series of laws including the 1945 Constitution.

Public opinion spoke highly of these important events in Indonesia, saying they were showing an inexorable trend of the times characterized by peace, democracy and development. These developments not only were in the interests of the vast majority of the Indonesian people, but also were beneficial to the stability, progress and development in the region.

As the world is entering the new millennium, the new government of Indonesia led by President Abdurrahman Wahid and Vice President Megawati Soekarnoputri are bringing fresh hope and opportunities to the archipelago country by launching a series of reforms. Observers here pointed out that the hope of success for the new government lies in the strong support and hearty trust from the majority of the people.

Immediately after being sworn in, Wahid's Cabinet of National Unity decided to conduct a wide-ranging national reconciliation policy without racial or religious discrimination. With the purpose to enhance the people's welfare and justice, the policy is regarded as a brilliant move to put the country on the right track to achieve social stability and economic recovery.

Wahid's determination to establish a clean and efficient government by upholding and strengthening the legal system, as well as eradicating corruption and degeneration is appreciated by the people of all walks of life and the international community.

By vowing to transform the country into a modern nation in the rapidly approaching new millennium without negating Indonesia's active role in fostering international cooperation based on mutual respect and understanding, President Wahid had toured dozens of countries including China, the United States and Japan. The initiative has rehabilitated Indonesia's reputation internationally and helped the country to obtain broad political and economic support.

The new government has brought a relative stable political condition in the country making it possible for its rich human and natural resources potential to be fully utilized for the prosperity of the country.

However, it is obvious that the new Indonesian government is faced with severe challenges as the country is still suffering from the staggering crisis at a critical period of transition from the old system to a new one.

Firstly, the struggle between the reformists and conservatives is continuing, which can from time to time lead to unrest in the society and disturb the ongoing reform process. So, some political analysts hold that the political transition in Indonesia has a long and arduous way to go.

Secondly, the government has to take right and wise measures to deal with the racial problem. The break down of the Soeharto regime has been followed by the sudden rise of demands from several regions, ranging from the clamor for more autonomy to that for independence. President Wahid admitted that disintegration of the unitary state of Indonesia is one of the main problems that the country has been dealing with.

Thirdly, economic recovery should be the new government's top priority. Although Indonesia's economy is showing signs of recovery and is expected to post a positive growth in 2000, there are many knotty problems that must be resolved as soon as possible, especially its banking sector with huge bad debts. The heavy foreign debts of the government and private companies are also a constraint for the economic recovery.

Another urgent task to be taken up seriously by the new government is the eradication of the corruption which was rampant under the former regime. But the problem is not so easy to resolve as it has been rooted on all levels of the society.

A new phase in Indonesia's history has just begun. The new government has taken a series of positive and brave steps on the political, economic, social, legal and diplomatic fronts. It is hoped with good reasons that a new Indonesia with political stability and economic prosperity will emerge under the Wahid government which deserves the support of the whole nation. And a stronger and developed Indonesia will also benefit peace and stability in the region in particular and in the world as a whole.