The people of Indonesia have been afflicted with many problems in the past decade. Riots and discrimination against ethnic groups, persecution of Christians are among the problems that mark their lives. The country is still in a state of economic insecurity. Besides, inequalities among citizens, nation's wealth is solely in the hands of the government. However, the ethnic Chinese have been successful in starting businesses and in the commercial market.

Since the population of Indonesia had been increasing rapidly, the government implemented a controlled family planning program to limit the population. As the island of Java is also heavily populated, There was a government migration plan that was started in 1969 and continued into the following years. This moved families from Java to other islands. Much of what transpires in Indonesia is well controlled by the government. The government attempts to solve problems by implementing regulation and extending their control, but at the same time it limits the freedom of individuals. Over half a million families were moved, but the government ran out of funds to continue the plan.

Ethnic riots have been one of the most significant problems in the past decade. In 1996 ethnic Malays rioted over fairly minute situations. The riots have been turned against the successful ethnic Chinese population and the Christians. Property and churches have been damaged, and although the people were not directly attacked, the acts were still committed in spite of them, and resulted in problems.

In addition to ethnic disputes, the economy continued to be unstable. Many families in rural areas are stricken with extreme poverty. Additionally, the students right to an education and academic freedom have been denied. The Chinese must attend expensive private schools, as they are restricted from the public universities. In the early 1990s, after the government had expanded and promoted the educational system (primarily controlled by politics), almost 30 million children attended elementary school. Illiteracy is not as severe as in other nations, but 22% of Indonesians are illiterate. Furthermore, the people lack food, nourishment, and even safe water in many rural areas. Wealth in the large cities is mainly a result of government success that draws attention away from the many impoverished men, women, and children in the other areas. In 1995, not even half of the homes had a toilet. Many had no electricity, and had an earthen floor. The safety and contamination of food and water is also an issue. 83% did not have piped drinking water.

Child labor, women in industry, and unsafe working conditions have been an increasing concern. Laws set in 1948 were supposed to stop child labor (a large concern in many poor Asian countries), protect women in the work force, and guard against the dangerous work conditions they endured. The problem lies in the poor implementation of the laws. Despite them, the labor conditions have continued to be an issue.

All of these afflictions have plagued Indonesia in the past decade. Yet many concerns must still be addressed, and still more lie ahead.

---->On to Where it Stands in Indonesia