Tom O'Lincoln was in Jakarta in the days leading up to the fall of Suharto
Day one While the government television tried to hold the line, the privately owned television channel ran heavily anti-regime coverage.
The point is that if the regime hadn't systematically smashed every attempt at alternative organisation for a long time, the revolt wouldn't have to take this anarchic form. The street violence was sparked off by government violence, both in the form of the shootings and also in the form of the early repression of the students.
Day two The day after I arrived the government announced the removal of subsidies on petrol and electricity. Immediately everyone who could do so dashed to queue for the last of the cheap petrol. Utter gridlock in the entire city of Jakarta. Rich people sent several chauffeurs with all of their cars to queue. Ordinary workers had to walk for hours to get home.
This all gave a second kick along to the student movement. The first kick along was Suharto announcing he might permit political reform in the year 2003. That was a red rag to a bull. Until then the students were flagging; now they're more mobilised than ever, with some signs of it flowing on to the other sections of the population. A group of health workers struck and demonstrated for reform. Factory workers, until recently so devastated by mass retrenchments that they hadn't done much since January, are now stirring: a minor strike wave in the industrial areas west of Jakarta involved thousands of factory workers at seven factories. Another 1,200 struck and demonstrated at the famous PT plant in Semarang. None of this should be overestimated...yet. But the government is clearly worried about it.
Day three Groups of workers are beginning to be inspired by the student movement. The signs are tentative, but important. In one Jakarta demonstration, office workers in ties marched along with students. At the textile college in Bandung, student leader Celep Daryns told me: 'Indonesia is rich in raw materials, yet the people live in misery. The people can no longer afford to eat or buy medicine. This is all the fault of the system.'
A leader of the KPA national land reform network, Dianto Bachriadi (speaking in a personal capacity), says: 'A political change at the top might restore confidence and create a temporary revival, but ultimately we need to break with international capitalism and return to a socialist or populist social programme.'
The morning after snipers killed the students, I go to Trisakti campus in West Jakarta. Thousands of students have gathered to mourn and hear speeches. Megawati, who has been silent till now, finally appears. Cheers. Amien Rais, popular Muslim leader, says the demonstrations must continue.
Both appeal for non-violence. Fat chance. Already students are drifting into the streets, where they're joined by workers and city poor. The people drag chunks of concrete to block the street. I walk down the street, and see riot police. Soon a truck is aflame, abandoned in the middle of the intersection. I talk to some of the young men. 'This is just the start,' they say.
Medical staff from Surabaya general hospital demonstrated for reform. The government had ignored their concerns, said the director, 'so what else can we do? Finally we're taking to the streets.'
Rekson Silaban of the SBSI union spoke to Socialist Review after the appointment of President Habibie
Friday 22 May I have just come from the parliament building. There are now two main arguments going on among the people. One camp has accepted the new president, Habibie, but most people are demanding that he steps down. They are asking for another government to be formed that will introduce new laws and allow independent political parties to be set up, followed by free and fair general elections within six months.
The students say that Habibie is corrupt, and guilty of nepotism like Suharto. The demonstrators are tense and there is a possibility that there will be a clash between the two camps.
The army is supporting Habibie. And they have provided special protection for the Suharto family. But the demonstrators are demanding that Suharto gives his wealth back to the people. He must be made responsible for what happened in the past.
The students are not alone. Our union, the SBSI, has got about 1,000 members to the parliament to support the students. We are demanding all political prisoners be released immediately and political reform.
There was great jubilation yesterday when Suharto announced he was standing down. People were crying, they were so happy. Also there have been big demonstrations in several other cities.
Today Habibie has announced his new cabinet but they have still come from Suharto's group. The people are not happy about this. It is really uncertain if Habibie can maintain power. Most people are demanding he steps down, and it means the military may even force him to step down.
The people are still suffering. Today I have heard of another major company that has closed that means more unemployment. This is happening day to day now.
Monday 25 May The army made the students leave the parliament building, yet some refused to go. But the military forced them out.
Habibie has now agreed to release political prisoners and agreed to hold a general election in the next few months. So some people are saying we should give Habibie a few months to see what he can do. There have still been some demonstrations, but these have been outside of Jakarta.
I think most of Suharto's people are still there in the new cabinet there are only a few new people. This is why people are demanding a general election as soon as possible so the people can get their genuine representatives there.
Our union, the SBSI may soon become a legal union. Unemployment is getting worse and wages are dropping. Our aim is to recover the confidence of the people.