Suharto''s Downfall
Resentment against Suharto's regime grew throughout the 1990s, but he would probably have survived for a few more years if it hadn't been for the currency crisis that hit the region in the latter part of 1997, a crisis triggered by a run on the Thai baht. In a few dramatic months, the Rupiah slipped in value from Rp2500 to the US dollar to nearly Rp9000. Prices of even the most basic of goods such as fuel and food rose five hundred percent. The IMF promised to help Indonesia out of the crisis only after certain conditions had been met, including the removal of Suharto's family and friends from a number of senior and lucrative posts. Foreign investors lost all confidence in Suharto, and the rupiah went into freefall. Pressure on Suharto was also growing from his own people, as many took to the streets to protest against his incompetence and demand greater political freedom. These demonstrations , initially fairly peaceful, grew more violent as the people's frustration increased, until a state of lawlessness ensued. For over a week, riots took place in all the main cities, buildings were set on fire and shops looted. The Chinese community , long resented in Indonesia for their domination of the economy and success in business, were targeted by the rioters for special persecution. Over 1200 people died in the mayhem that followed the May elections, until, on May 21, 1998, Suharto stepped down and his vice-president, BJ Habibie, took over.
cheap accomodationsuyash says "hey i wanna travel to indonesia .i am nepali currently in malaysia as a student.i wanna find a cheap accomodation .plz help me out and i wanna the price rates of local foods in indonesia
" cheap accomodationsuyash says "hey i wanna travel to indonesia .i am nepali currently in malaysia as a student.i wanna find a cheap accomodation .plz help me out and i wanna the price rates of local foods in indonesia
please send me reply to suyash_satyal@hotmail.com
" Rinjani web informationRinjani Trekking Club says "visit www.info2lombok.com for more information of the Rinjani trekking trips,
Ronie" Tour Bali On Line (Video + Stills)David Mundstock says "My film "Gamelan, Garuda & Ganesh" can be seen on the web, if you have a high speed internet connection.
This Bali and Java (Indonesia) video features Balinese dance, music, masks, shadow puppets, a cremation ceremony, Java’s Buddhist & Hindu World Heritage Sites, the Ramayana Ballet, and much more, including digital effects.
This is a free, non-commercial, streaming video on the Windows Media Player. No ads and no strings attached. I sell absolutely nothing.
The Bali and Java still photo gallery can be viewed with any modem.
There are over 30 of my other amateur travel videos on-line covering all seven continents.
To enjoy the videos and stills, please ask a search engine for: Intrepid Berkeley Explorer
" How to go to Mount RinjaniRonie says "i suggest you, especially about to climb mount Rinjani,
if you wanna climb the mount Rinjani Lombok, much better doing with Travel agencies, coz there are many accindect for the climber without Guide or porter on the mountain, beside that you will feef confortable if you book by agencies.
visit us on : www.info2lombok.com" Rinjani National Park TrekkingAndi Herman says "If you need more details information not just commercial thing about rinjani, visit our website at:
www.rinjanimountain.com
"
Your Tip for Indonesia
Help other backpackers! Write your own guides and backpacking tips to Indonesia - they will appear instantly on this page - Please only write a tip/guide to Indonesia - visit the main Indonesia forum to ask a question!
Please do not post links to your site here (they won't work) - please use the Indonesia webguide section below! Thanks.
| 
