Title: Assessing President WahidSubmitted by: Greg Barton, Deakin University, AustraliaAs a prominent public intellectual and religious leader Abdurrahman Wahid was widely loved and admired but few expected him to become Indonesia s fourth president. Even amongst close friends and long-time supporters many openly expressed doubts about whether his maverick style was well suited to political leadership. As president Wahid moved quickly to consolidate reform and boost confidence. And whilst he has remained as eccentric as ever he quickly won broad support both overseas and at home, with many judging him the best person to lead the nation during its difficult period of transition and rebuilding, not withstanding his often baffling approach to the task at hand. For others, however, he remains unacceptably indulgent and inconsistent. In July 2000, after eight months in power, what are we to make of President Wahid? This paper critically examines contemporary thinking about Wahid and seeks to interpret his behaviour as president in the light of his personal history and his background in the world of traditionalist Islam. Return to Abstracts menuCarol Burnett Phone: 61 - 3 - 9349 1899 Email: c.burnett@asialink.unimelb.edu.au
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