Indonesia predicament on counter-terrorism policy in the era of democratic transition.

Abstract

Terrorism has threatened almost all countries in the world, including Indonesia which entered the era of democratic transition since Soeharto stepped-down from power in 1998. Terrorism is a major challenge to all post-Soeharto governments, from President B.J. Habibie, to Abdurrahman Wahid, to Megawati Soekarnoputeri and to Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono. In the era of Habibie's administration, the communal conflicts in Ambon, Molucca and Poso, Central Sulawesi erupted almost simultaneously. Meanwhile, Wahid had to deal with a grievious effect of multiple bombings in the eve of Christmas 2000. Megawati had faced a similar tragic event, when spectacular bomb exploded in Bali (2002). Peace and tranquility were lost from 'the land of gods', while the second Bali bombing happened in the first year of Yudhoyono's power.