Spanning a wide variety of contemporary issues, this unique volume offers a detailed and thought-provoking view of one of the world's most populous yet least-understood nations. Chronicling the impressive economic development Indonesia has enjoyed under the 27-year leadership of President Soeharto, Adam Schwarz explores the difficult challenges that lie ahead.

Using a wealth of first-hand information, he brings to life the heated debates over economic policy and corruption, as well as considering the controversial role of ethnic Chinese entrepreneurs.

He analyzes the political demands of Indonesia's Muslim community, the mishandled incorporation of East Timor, the emerging debate on human rights, and the thorny problem of arranging a smooth transition of power while addressing the growing disparity between the nation's increasingly modernized economy and its rigid political system.