WEEKLY REVIEW

• Document Type: FOIA
• Collection: FOIA Collection
• Document Number (FOIA) /ESDN (CREST): 0001393504
• Release Decision: RIPPUB
• Original Classification: U
• Document Page Count: 3
• Document Creation Date: June 22, 2015
• Document Release Date: November 20, 2009
• Case Number: F-2006-00081
• Publication Date: December 23, 1977

National
Foreign
Assessment
Center
,-,I y~ s - 7 Z,4
,cy~~ - CC~ //r5
(b131
[bill
Zop
APPROVED FOR RELEASE DATE:
10-13-2009
 Although u arto s reelection to a third
five-year term seems assured, the intensity
of recent antigovernment statements,
combined with food shortages and interna-
tional criticism of Indonesia's human
rights record, has worried
that opposition mig t grow.
Recent demonstrations at major univer-
sities where students are traditionally
passive have been exceptionally critical of
government corruption and incompe-
tence-even attacking the President and
his family directly for spending $10
million on an elaborate mausoleum. The
students are also challenging the role of
the military in government, which is
extensive at all levels.
The government's reluctance to react
harshly to such demonstrations-as it did
during riots in 1974-probably reflects
Suhar!o's concern over the growing do-
mestic and international perception of his
regime as authoritarian. The moderation
in turn has emboldened the students, and
they will doubtless continue their strident
opposition.
a tktn as large grassroots
support in Jakarta and has repeatedly
criticized the government as ineffective.
Students have rallied to his side and
demanded that he be nominated for
president or vice president next March.
Sadikin's chances, however, are minimal;
he has no support within the military.
Nasution, on the other hand, probably
has some friends in the military. As the
only survivor of the massacre of Indone-
sia's generals in the abortive Communist
coup in 1965, he is something of a popular
hero. He too is increasingly outspoken in
 his criticism 7 the government, and
although in public he advocates only
constitutional change, some offices
charge that he has been actively support-
ing student demonstrations against the
government.
The military seems uncertain about how
to damp down the criticism. A recent
meeting of top generals ended with the
issuance of a public warning that "firm
steps" will be taken against "illegal
opposition"-but what that means is not
clear.
The President,
w o as en orse t e warning to the
public but also cautioned officials to
refrain from overreacting to opposition,
probably hopes these moderate and vague
statements, combired with planned pro-
government demonstrations, will help neu-
page 10 WEEKLY REVIEW 23 Dec 77