She also will inherit a country plagued by regional conflicts. Resolving them will not be easy for Megawati, whose nationalist bent may lead to even harsher repression against separatists in tumultuous Aceh province. Then there’s the economy. Companies have yet to reform, banks are plagued by problems, growth is slowing and inflation is rising.
Corruption is endemic. It’s unlikely Megawati will pursue serious action against ailing former president Suharto, but she must crack down on some of his cronies, or risk losing face. Credibility will be key, according to one expert. The Indonesian people will no longer tolerate even the slightest hint of what they call “KKN” (corruption, collusion and nepotism). But can Megawati pick a cabinet that is both competent and clean without alienating those who put her in power?
Indonesia’s 200 million Muslims are currently backing her, but only because they have no other choice. They’ve long mistrusted her, and could well turn against her in a crisis.
With all the trouble a presidency brings, maybe it’s Wahid who got lucky.
