Indonesia Alert!
Edited by Kurt Biddle and Malik Miah
Printed by Inkworks, USA
Review by Nick Everett
Indonesia Alert! is a new publication produced by supporters of Indonesia's democracy movement in the United States. It reports on developments in Indonesia's democratic struggle, the fight for a free East Timor, US foreign policy towards Indonesia, and solidarity initiatives in the US and internationally.
This new publication marks a growing awareness worldwide of Indonesia's democracy struggle, sparked by the mass street demonstrations that took place in the lead-up to the May general election in Indonesia. Indonesia Alert! describes the climate of protest in Indonesia as one of "mushrooming political ferment and a growing movement to end military rule and bring about fundamental democratic change".
A major focus of the publication is the importance of Indonesia's youth in the unfolding struggle. A feature article, "The view from Cipinang Prison", tells the story of the witch-hunt of People's Democratic Party (PRD) activists by the Suharto dictatorship. It contains interviews with some of these brave activists made during a visit in May to Cipinang Prison by the article's author, John Roosa.
The article captures the climate of defiance that exists behind the walls of one of Jakarta's most notorious prisons, which contains six leading cadre from the banned PRD, East Timorese resistance leader Xanana Gusmao, members of the PKI (the Indonesian Communist Party which was crushed in a violent coup in 1965) and a wide range of other political prisoners.
Malik Miah, one of the editors, also visited Indonesia in May and attests to the vibrancy and significance of the PRD within the pro-democracy movement. Miah describes the emergence of the PRD which was initiated by students in the form of a coalition of organisations from a range of sectors and then developed into a political party with a range of affiliated mass organisations before it was banned by the Suharto regime in August 1996.
Miah outlines the main demands of the PRD: the repeal of the 1985 political laws that limit freedom of expression, and an end to the dual role of the military. The importance of education around these issues and the campaign for the freedom of the PRD's 14 political prisoners (and other political prisoners of the regime) are highlighted.
The publication also contains an interview with Mirah Mardika, coordinator of the central leadership committee of the PRD. The interview first appeared in the PRD's publication, Liberation, and has also been printed in Green Left Weekly. It gives readers an insight into the debates around strategy within the movement.
Miah and Biddle seek to initiate a discussion around the evolving relationship between Washington and Suharto. Referring to the increasing US criticisms of the Suharto dictatorship, Miah states that, "In spite of the heat, there is no strategic shift in US policy. Both sides have too much at stake." He details the relationship, citing as an example the impact of the pro-Suharto, US Indonesian Society which, he says, has more influence on policy than elected officials. Its board and supporters include corporate and political heavyweights such as Colin Powell and former US ambassadors to Indonesia. Miah concludes that, "what will impact US policy are two forces: the mass struggles of the East Timorese and Indonesian people, and the international solidarity of supporters of democracy".
With the US government attempting to assist an "orderly transition" within Indonesian society, this theme will probably recur in future issues of Indonesia Alert!.
This issue also contains a profile on Pramoedya Ananta Toer, "Indonesia's greatest novelist", and an article on Indonesia's new Manpower Bill, which will ban all independent unions. The publication calls for a campaign for the release of political prisoners in Indonesia, and an international day of action in support of Nike workers in Indonesian sweatshops. Also included is a comprehensive list of organisations, publications and resources available to solidarity activists.
Subscriptions for US residents are $18 individuals/$36 institutions/$14 students or low-income. Write to 1880 Jackson St, #301, Oakland, CA 94612, or email