Emerald of The Equator: An Indonesian TL

[SkylineDreamer]

The Day the Republic Stood Still

15th August 1986
Halim Perdana Kusuma International Airport, Jakarta

The rumoured has it, the Air Force would move its base a little bit South temporary to the under-construction Cilangkap Air Base [1]. After a lengthy debate by the government and the military, Halim Perdana Kusuma was optimized for a 2nd Expansion to be an alternative to Suryadarma Airport in Tangerang. For Air Marshall Utomo, the motive of building a new airport was unnecessarily expensive because the government should have shared with Pondok Cabe Airport, a now Pertamina-owned Airport already constructed in 1972. However, the air space was too small for large aircraft cargos. They also did not want nearby neighbourhoods to suffer from noise pollution for the upcoming arrivals of 15 F-14 Tomcats that will live in Jakarta after arrival approximately in 1987.

This expansion initiative was initiated by Defense Minister Try Sutrisno, who finally came to senses that a good Army would inevitably need a good Air Force. He was adamant as a hardliner Army soldier, egocentric and faithful for only expanding the great Army. He followed Iran, who already expanded the Army to almost 350 thousand people. Indonesia has 335 thousand people in the Army alone, committing questionable deeds somewhere in Aceh and Northern Malaya that even the Air Force had no information or permission to go there.

Well, it wasn’t the Air Marshall’s problem, it was the government’s. Despite the President becoming extremely anxious about the warmongering attitudes of Indonesia, he still couldn’t control the growing Army under the cunning Try Sutrisno. The Premier, LKY, never discussed that predicament under the President because he himself agrees with Try. This year, fortunately, the Air Force was trickled with grace from the Defense Minister. Utomo was informed of an expansion for military bases in Biak, Batam, Northern Madagascar and Diego Garcia. The last base would be a shared military base with the Americans, therefore construction would also come from American companies. He was delighted, these companies would build faster, better with no money spent.

On a commercial basis, Utomo was excited with the new expansion of the HPK Airport [2] that involved a 2nd and 3rd Runaway, a secluded Presidential Airport (later can be used for military purposes), and a new Terminal for the passenger. There has been a scare that maybe the runaway would be too close to the Trans Java highway, but the local administration was concerned with the expulsion of few villages for the new presidential hangar. The scare was quelled down as the nearby airport zones would inhabit a newly designed residential zone that would envy both Kebayoran Baru and Menteng.

However, his excitement for the new airport expansion was abruptly stopped when he noticed a glimpse of news. The news broadcast seemed to convey a grim emotion. With a shocking revelation, the reporter stormed the afternoon news with a breaking life. In the airport, he noticed some cadre of pilots already gathering in front of the TV. All of their faces showed great terror and unbelief. The Air Marshall’s curiosity compelled him to go for the TV. As he arrived, the cadres all salute the Air Marshall who has fixed his gaze on the Television.

Breaking News. Today, tragic news had occurred in the centre of Jakarta. There was a bomb in Sarinah. A 23-year old called Abdul Rahim Ba’asyir suicide himself in front of a crowd by the mall. The effects were devastating, blowing up half of the mall’s first floor in the process. We believe that … um... I believe we have the latest updates on the situation. This is Reporter Bang Yodas in the scene with Representative Akbar Tanjung…

To Utomo’s confusion, there was Representative Akbar Tanjung with dirt everywhere on his face. Should a terrible tragedy stroke, it was impossible that a DPR member would instantaneously arrive there. He composed himself, trying to calm and solve his messed mind. When he did, he only gasped in disbelief as he knew who and why the attack happened there.

---

15th of August was two days before the independence day, President Subandrio launched several patriotic campaigns to commemorate the 41st anniversary of Indonesia’s independence. The conditions all across Indonesia was joyful, people from far reaches of Indonesia honoured this forthcoming day by buying Indonesian flags and promoting heroic marches. Nearing the day, President Subandrio thought it would be a brilliant idea for a new ‘diversity shop’ to open. Sarinah was his first choice.

Sarinah Shopping Centre, 1986​

As Indonesia was growing in size, so does the number of ethnicities with various traditions of clothing, garments and accessories. Sarinah, being the national icon of Indonesia’s local commerce, would be the perfect place for President Subandrio to implement his little campaign. He proposed an expansion on that shopping centre, particularly adding traditional attires from Madagascar and the newly arrived Israeli diaspora. It was called the ‘Greater Indonesia Garment District’. Located on the 1st floor, visitors would see at first glance outfits and dress from the furthest point of Jakarta, notably Madagascar, Melanesian and Jewish. That conjured repercussions from the radical communities. Yet, Jakarta had grown accustomed to new cultures, hence they accepted the minute change on Sarinah. The countrysides who visited there, however, were disgusted especially by the Jewish kippah already hanging in the shops.

The shop was actually opened on the 12th of August, but it was not officially celebrated by President Subandrio which he desperately wanted to. However, as his schedule was preoccupied with the increasing tension of East Africa, Subandrio instead departed for Madagascar by the 14th, giving Premier LKY the opportunity to do the ceremony himself.

By the early 15th of August, Premier LKY firstly arrived at the newly expanded Gambir [3] Underground Station to commence the reopening. The underground tunnel which Nasution had built lavishly by his command had actually benefited the current administration. The tunnel caused the inner-city landscape to be ‘beautiful’, thus avoiding ugly pillars for the previous attempted plans. Also, noise pollution had been minimal to most houses near Cikini and Mangga Besar, both residential complexes constructed. As part of the inner city, MRT Jakarta should own this 15-kilometre tunnel. However, plans of this tunnel to be transferred as an integral part of MRT Jakarta was halted because the national train company, Perusahaan Negara Kereta Api (PNKA), refused to give possession of the tunnel.

Gambir Underground Entrance, 1995​

In the end, MRT Jakarta and PNKA agreed on a compromise. The existing rail network before the subway construction would be administered by the Jakarta-Kebayoran Urban Transport Division, a child section of PNKA. Until MRT Jakarta could expand greater than the Kota-Manggarai tunnel could be connected, PNKA would keep the ownership. Still, the stations would function and cost similarly to MRT Jakarta ones. On that day, Premier LKY would secure and signed the compromise deal in that station also, effectively ending the feud they have for the last three months.

The expansion station also would ease conjunction on the station between regional trains and local commuter line. A deviation station was also established to accommodate further MRT Jakarta expansion of the Kuningan Line [4], which would either end in Gambir as the terminus or continue to Kota. Still, that would take years to come as the Blue and Red Line [5] haven’t completed their fullest form by 1990. The first hope of integration of this tunnel would happen if the Red Line had connected itself to Kampung Bandan, a phase 2 project of the Red Line that would finish by December of 1990.

After the opening of the expansion station, LKY then arrived at Sarinah for touring and the ceremony. He arrived at noon in the mall and eat in the nearby Djakarta Café. The Premier conversed with local bartenders and became a public sensation nearby. The Jakartan locals esteemed the humble Singaporean. He then arrived at Sarinah for the opening of the shops. He was accompanied by few Representatives, notably Akbar Tanjung, Tony Tan Keng Yam, Didier Ratsirika and an influential Jewish rabbi Shlomo Goren.

Arriving on the first floor, the Premier was stunned by few mobsters who arrived menacingly before him. The bodyguards, experienced, rushed to deflect and halt the coming mobsters. However, it was just a diversion as Abdul Rahim Ba’asyir, wearing a baggy yet unsuspicious outfit, emerged and lunged towards the Premier with a hand grenade beside him. Furthermore, he prepared dynamites around his abdomen to increase the blast damage. When the bodyguards fathomed the condition they were in, it was too late. A blast some come after, the Premier was thrown 10 feet with severe head concussions.

By the time the emergency team arrived, it was too late for the Premier. He died from an exposed wound of shrapnel on his chest. The concussion only secured his final fate. By 14.13 on Western Indonesia Time, the Premier was dead. Representative Didier and Rabbi Schlomo were heavily injured and under intensive care while Tony Tan and Akbar suffered minor injuries. In 17.42, Didier was reported dead while Rabbi Schlomo was rushed for surgery. Fortunately, the surgery succeeded and Rabbi was taken care on Gambir Military Hospital.

As the sunset closed in Jakarta, turmoil started to occur in the cities. News channels all conveyed the tragic occurrence both domestic and foreign. The President announced a minute of silence for the loss of two important figures of the Republic and vowed to grapple the root of this cause. The Parliament then appointed Musa Hitam as the new Premier for the government. This time, the Malayan politician deeply condemned how a single crisis in Africa had ‘ultimately’ changed the course of Indonesia’s misfortune.

The liberal movement of secularism now rises against the fundamentalist. As news confirmed the death of being an Islamic scholar, the youths began decrying religion's barbarity and struggle for secularism. The idea of secularism had been taboo since it was ‘condemned’ by Pancasila. Nevertheless, a public outcry ensured to cleanse radicalism, even if it was Islam as the culprit.

====================================​

[1] ITTL new airbase, OTL nonexistent
[2] This is the rough map of ITTL Halim Airport Expansion. The Map is superimposed with OTL modern google Maps.

Aqua Blue: Airport Area
Red Orange: Commercial Airport Area
Orange Box: Passenger Terminal
Black: Runaway
Grey: Taxiway
Navy Blue: Presidential Airport Area
White: Inner airport connection (roads)
Teal: Railway connection
Cerulean Blue: Local Road connection
Honey Orange: Toll Road connection​

[3] ITTL transformed into an underground huge station, IOTL a huge elevated station
[4] Not entirely the same, unlike OTL to Cawang, this ITTL line will go South to Kemang, possibly Ragunan in the future (similar to the Transjakarta Bus Route 6).
[5] Although not exactly the same route, still resembling the idea. Further explanation of the track TBA.

Alright, the bombshell has been sent. Next post would be the turmoil aftermath. I apologize in advance if I posted late by next week, I will have a hectic 4 weeks to do later on. Schedule would continue normally at mid-June.

​

 

[SkylineDreamer]

The Early Premiership of Musa Hitam

​

Musa Hitam was an interesting case for a politician. He had strived for establishing his own name unto the Federal Republic, yet he was always dwarfed with LKY’s excellence in governance. His achievements were mostly appreciated in Malacca, transforming the district into a competing international port. However, the sudden passing of the late Premier pushed him up to the 2nd most powerful man in Indonesia and possibly the highest man in government.

Musa Hitam entered this world from a father of Javanese descent and a mother of Chinese descent. He accustomed to the Malayan household since his early childhood. After the war, he joined the UMNO Party [1] in the 60s and rose in the ranks. He was briefly an Acting Secretary-General of UMNO until he decided to follow his kingdom’s allegiance to the Republic of Indonesia. Under the Malayan Civil War, another name of Australian Aggression as most Malayan perceived differently than the rest of Indonesia, he joined the now Partai Persatuan Pembangunan (PPP). He met LKY in the late-60s as the young Singaporean had become the region’s leader. They grew fond of each other and became cordial friends ever since.

The creation of the Federal District of Singapore and Malacca provided them with an opportunity to reform those places. While LKY restructured Singapore’s bureaucracy, rendering it favourable to foreign investments, Musa Hitam constructed Tanjung Bruas Port as the city’s naval expansion. Sultan Ismail al-Khalidi, the Sultan of Johor [2], saw the true economic potential of his kingdom wedged between two international ports authorized by Jakarta. The Sultan spend his entire fortune on Malacca and Singapore, aiding Musa with an additional fortune from his homeland sultan’s wealth.

His federal district improved substantially under his leadership. The city port industrialized itself becoming the pioneers for Malayan cities to imitate. The city’s unemployment reached an all-time low as infrastructure plans necessitated the city with more workers, sometimes not enough. His invitation of investments to various machinery enterprise all across the world did succeed especially with an extra 30% deduction taxes of specific general projects. The city then marched with Singapore as the ‘little international town’ gaining tourists also because of the city’s historical importance on colonialism.

Malacca City Port, 1993, first expansion finished in 1990, second expansion predicted in 2004​

His little experience as the Ministry of Interior still emboldened his determination to reform the entire nation’s hinterland rapidly. As he saw the city improve dramatically over his time, he thought that other places would advance as well. He passed new laws to ease the nation’s extreme regulation on companies, decreasing tariffs, rules, taxes and even benefits in pursuit of employment. Ministry of Interior had become embroidered with immense power from Subandrio’s educational initiative that from him, LKY could muster enough influence for the Federal Districts to have an entirely different economic system than the rest of the nation without too much bickering.

At one time, in 1982, Musa Hitam intended to pass beyond LKY’s shadows by challenging him as the Malacca faction leader. He finally saw his potential to be somewhat greater than the Premier had done. He relented his friendship with LKY for challenging him more so. Yet, as the Premier relinquish his leadership at the party and committed to Musa as his secondhand, his seemingly ambitious plans were positively encouraged in contrast to what he hoped for. He rose to DPR Chairman as recent as this year, gaining LKY’s green pass for legislative pass.

As things had transformed dramatically dire, Musa Hitam had now become the Premier of Indonesia. His policies were continuous to LKY’s previous ones as his thoughts were alike. He however passed more pro-business laws that would boost the economy faster. Yet, the problem aroused during LKY’s premiership had been diverted to the new Premier. Mere months after ascension, Musa Hitam must tackle more pressing situations, like the assassination.

The final reports had been concluded, the suicide bombing and assassination of the late Premier had cost 21 lives, 15 injured and the mall’s damage of nearly 184 thousand rupiahs. Sarinah’s core structure had been compromised, possibly threatening a revitalization on the northeast end of the pier. Moreover, the image of Indonesia had been tarnished savagely from these perpetrators, Indonesian stock market utterly crashed 10% of its value by the end of August. The 44th anniversary of the independence was celebrated with mourns of the death of the beloved Premier. Public confidence at unsurpassed low, Musa Hitam was to blame by most critiques.

Moreover, Musa entered the government during a transitional change of perceiving culture. As the killings for Islamic purity in Palestine had caused agitation for Barisan Pemuda, the Kismayo Crisis deepened the gap between two conflicting thoughts. One supported the Islamic freedom fighters, condemning the government’s too-American attitude and killing off local beliefs. Rural regions that were still strong on their faith were supportive of their struggle while protesting the government to intervene in such a struggle. Aceh, Minang, Banten, Pasundan and Maluku [3] were regions with high supports for strengthening Islam’s presence in the nation. With the first three presidents had done nothing on the demoralization of the change, they rallied for opposing the government, possibly forming new government factions by the end of the century.

The other thoughts being maintaining the nation’s change. Indonesia was improving within these three presidents with similar paths of separating specific religion from massive influence while simultaneously reform the body of the nation much preparing for the next millennium. These thinkers, common both young and old with the young being a far greater percentage, had progressed to the point where religion has become or should become, ineffectual to the nation’s political platform. Some of the youths also passed secular thinking, believing that the state should separate from the affairs of religion. That, however, caused significant backlash from adults who still believed the importance of religion by Pancasila’s 1st principle.

After the death of the Premier, the thinkers of secularism reinforced their opinion and held a protest to mosques and centres where believed to campaign religious thinking. These mosques, indeed, partly had been influenced by Saudi’s radical thinking, especially with Mecca under their control. They also believed that particular races (Jews importantly) had occupied the native’s chances of highly prestigious jobs. They blame them for flooding as chief executives, specialist leaders and wealthy tycoons that ‘exploited’ the Islamic commoner. As a result, while the secularists invaded mosques from their vengeful protests, the Islamist also stormed a government building, with some events could become massive lootings.

On September 1st 1986, Musa Hitam faced the first-ever riot in his advent career. The crowded sectors of Tanah Abang, Jakarta had moved northwards and burned the residential complexes in Cideng. They saw Cideng as the house of the elites, similar to ‘Menteng’ but name. Especially with the stubborn belief that they haven’t been pay or protect enough (they still despise Subandrio’s refusal of raising wages, despite him the first in proposing a national minimum in the first place) and most of their sons and daughters unorthodox thinking had made few to stage an incursion. Also, with increasing tensions of Sinophobia as a protest of the late-Premier, the unquestionably large proportion of Chinese-descendants living in Cideng did only aggravate their motives. Shockingly, during the lootings, they also encroach their fellow natives. As they said, traitors are sentenced evenly as enemies. Reminding Musa having a Chinese mother, he couldn’t help being targeted as traitors by them.

Cideng before the attacks, 1985​

The 1st of September was the start of series of unrest in cities. Next week was Jelambar, then Kampung Melayu, Mangga Besar, Pejagalan, Koja and many others in Jakarta. It also erupted elsewhere, notably Surabaya, Bandung, Ambon, Bukittinggi and Bogor. The increasing instability also affected the nation’s economy, it was slowing down for the first time in Subandrio’s era, Musa Hitam hated when he would be remembered as such.

On 17th of September, he invited Muhammadiyah Leader Abdul Rozak Fachruddin and Nahdatul Ulama Leader Abdurrahman Wahid into talks with the President. He initiated the talk as an urgent call of the growing chaos erupting in major cities. Both leaders acknowledged the fault in the nation and converse on how to solve it. Subandrio, alienating by his ailing energy, had reserved himself to a conformist position of ending the ‘radicals’ once and for all, believing a minute tendency of an Islamic Republic may end the establishment of Indonesia entirely. Premier Musa Hitam concurred that Indonesia would not go as drastic as such. Encored with Indonesia’s high Sufism and centre of Shafi’i which was strictly objective and reject weaponizing religion to current political times, he along with the other imams believed that Indonesia needed only a slight nudge to correct. Along with a history of coexistence and tolerance, a distant purist Islamo-centric teaching can be suppressed with the principles of Pancasila itself. [4]

In conclusion, both the Muhammadiyah and NU agreed on a simple objective, campaigning for tolerance on their own adherent bases. They came on a simple yet effective technique, using the current technological advancement as tools. Muhammadiyah’s followers, much of them were intellectuals, will campaign peaceful existence to schools, universities, seminars and other academic activities. NU, meanwhile, would establish their own TV channel to promote the same thing to Indonesian viewers, speaking sermon publicly in gatherings, mosques, ceremonies and even wedding celebrations. Despite the plan to be quite unenthusiastic, it had worked quite effectively during the independence war and the Australian aggression.

After the meeting, he wished for the success of these programs as Musa Hitam passed on to the economic issues of the nation.

---

[1] UMNO Party was absorbed into mostly PUI and PPP after a restriction on regional parties by Nasution era officials. Similar happenstance occurs to all Singaporean, Malayan, Madagascarian and Solomon parties.
[2] This is like the Malayan counterpart of Sultan Hamengkubuwono IX
[3] Those are state names, a complete list of state names TBA
[4] These talk shows will encompass having religious figures campaigning and (in the modern days) having a public platform on the internet.

Alright, this would be the last chapter of weekly posts as few upcoming weeks would hamper my time to write one. I would return to the normal schedule by mid-June. Don't worry, I would possibly post a chapter, but not in a regular manner.

 

[Rfl23]

So lky died in the sarinah blast?

 

[SkylineDreamer]

So lky died in the sarinah blast?

By the time the emergency team arrived, it was too late for the Premier. He died from an exposed wound of shrapnel on his chest.

Yeah, he died unfortunately. Current chronology suggests the blast totally aimed for the Premier. They haven't quite connect the dots to the President or finding a different conclusion that maybe it wasn't for LKY after all.

 

[Rfl23]

Yeah, he died unfortunately. Current chronology suggests the blast totally aimed for the Premier. They haven't quite connect the dots to the President or finding a different conclusion that maybe it wasn't for LKY after all.

So basically he was there accidently? I wonder what will be the official response from the terrorist regarding his death

 

[SkylineDreamer]

Early Crisis and Mohamed Rahmat​

Premier Musa Hitam exerted every ounce of his energy to sustain the delicate balance which his predecessor, LKY, has established marvellously. The growing economy under slightly better conditions even for the lowest of the poor had been the late Premier’s greatest achievements in his career. Despite being the most unrecognized abroad, his accomplishments succeeded his figure, radiating throughout the people who had been benefited from him. Still, there had been obstacles to achieve such triumphs, and those obstacles had been growing.

Concerns about the long-lasting economic growth were proclaimed by national economist after the last Carter term. In 1981, there was a devaluation of the dollar from inflation that supported the nation’s healthcare system which the US President highly had looked forward to. The devaluation of the dollar had actually not affected the growth of Indonesia, but it inflicted a slight indent on the state’s stock price which nearly shrank by 5%. That was Indonesia’s Panic of 1981, the local entrepreneurs had not been so fond of the weakening dollar and a small percentage of them had even resorted to the most stable currency in the world, the Deutsche Mark, for day-to-day commerce.

Carter shaking hands with Chairman Paul Volker for devaluation, 1981​

Indonesia’s dependence on the dollar had been reflected way during the end of the Australian Aggression. The Nasution Presidency had owed Kennedy Administration a huge favour. As a result, the reconstruction of the state was mainly funded by grants, debts and graceful donations sent by the American government. Stopped during the Nixon term, the American had not stopped helping Indonesia after since. In the transitional government, the national debt to the Americans alone had risen to 79% of the nation’s GDP.

The succeeding administration was better in terms of economics. LKY’s university background and well-positioned witty figure attracted Subandrio to appoint him. In just three years, public debt had fallen dramatically to 79%. The large proportion of the debt was ‘washed’ as voluntary investments which funded the entire industry. As native conglomerates joined forces with their foreign investors, a stable balance was achieved on those two factions which caused the economy to boom. Including LKY’s less regulatory attitudes on most of Indonesia’s commerce, the service sector also expanded rapidly in power.

However, the business relied deeply upon the protection of the predecessor. LKY’s voice was crucial as lower branches of government officials were anti-business. On several occasions, local districts may need direct instruction from the central cabinet to continue said industry. In February 1986 alone, LKY had dismissed 328 local councillors just because they propagated demonstrations that harmed the company’s revenue towards the government. This power, albeit unconstitutional to popular belief, was not prohibited at all as the constitution allowed the central government to intervene for the betterment of the state.

LKY during his dismissal of said staffs, 1986​

Overall, LKYs strict character with outstanding results had been the bane of improvement for the past years. The nature of Indonesia’s society had always antagonized corporate figures such as big banks or businesses, but the Premier, by one’s own bootstraps, purged those followers with the current situation Indonesia had become. Young scholars were delighted by the prosperity, so did the middle-aged population which saw their best era for their generation.

The death of the Premier uncovered the patch which concealed Indonesia’s true and unimpeded feelings towards business. Especially in the State Republic of Nusantara, the apparent opposition against the government had been most vocal. Without the new Premier’s command, local bureaucrats independently took matters and reverted allegiance towards the State Republic. Should they had to said why they reasoned as a fair ‘democratic’ move which the previous government has been attempted against it. The federal authority, to put it simply, had no unity in action with the State Republic of Nusantara. The largest of the state republics, Nusantara was literally Indonesia-proper. Unfortunately, the high staffers were affiliated with Mahatir’s PPP, they were too entitled to listen to Musa Hitam.

As stock prices kept receding, Musa’s focus was fixing the economy before the populace became too agitated by the sudden economic reversal. His first initiative was bailing out companies on the verge of bankruptcy, to fund them and have enough money to continue employment. However, his action stirred an increasing voice of the anti-business populace that had now chanting more for further regulative policies. PPP’s Melayu Bersatu Faction was the first to jump the board, then PPI and PUI to support the movement. Musa’s most vocal opposition, shockingly, rose within his own party.

State President of Nusantara, Mohamed Rahmat, was chosen in 1983. Previously, Mohamed Rahmat was a loyal PPP statesman that got elected with en-masse voting from the Malayans. He, albeit initially was amiable to the Premier, pursued closer ties to Mahathir Mohamad. However, he conjured a political strategy which had divided Nusantara into distinct ethnicity. Javanese, Sundanese and Borneo tribes were isolated to his Melayu group. Therefore, many of his voters dwelled merely in Malaya and Sumatra. His win in 1973 was because the gubernatorial election split Javanese voters into three groups, PPI vice-chairman and daughter of Soekarno Megawati, PNI-R DPD politician Ali Sadikin and PRD Wahono.

Muhammed Rahmat during a public gathering in Palembang, 1984​

Advocacy towards pro-labour sentiment maintained Rahmat’s legitimacy from the divided voters and somewhat appeased non-voters to side with him. Especially in the non-college group, Rahmat’s popularity rose significantly when he pushed for an increased budget of general insurance for working accidents. His problem was most of the revenue were from satellite cities of all neighbouring federal district, he didn’t like that his state was given the non-profitable while big metropolitans were controlled by the federal government. He conveyed that frustration to his hinterland people whom jobs and opportunities were seized by that same federal districts. Soon, what was once his base’s exclusive by race had become widely accepted under one class: blue-collar workers.

His countermeasure for all his problems was quite simple, frankly. He pressed the federal government with demanding more budget percentage for pro-labour laws. A proto-medicare program was launched, subsidizing all patient treatments classified as common checkups. He passed ‘Employment Laws’ which protected freelancers from exploitative corporates. At first, Premier LKY was reluctant to oppose the majority of Indonesia’s population. Besides, the economy was still doing great. Yet, as the divide grew ubiquitous across Nusantara, Premier LKY tapped budget spending towards Rahmat.

The Premier also discovered questionable spending under the administration. He looked at the state budget to have an excessive amount of welfare spending. Should welfare become a state priority, the staggering level was not equivalent to its effect on the citizens. Thousands of Nusantara citizens migrated to Federal Districts or other state republics, the notion had become a concern that pushed for an investigation. His state was also the most tainted one, his staffs had been fired multiple times by the late Premier.

He debated Premier’s suspicion of corruption to be blatantly misleading and genuine misdirection of the Indonesian public. Premier’s growing disagreement also prompted villagers to side with the state president. Except for seasonal workers at the federal district, most of Nusantara’s nationals had endorsed Mahathir Mohamad as the next leader. Nevertheless, said voters were PPP ones. PPI, PUI and PNI-R all had a particularly fanatic base that preferred die than change allegiance. However, PPP’s voters were adequate for a transition on the Parliament.

The rise of Musa Hitam provoked Rahmat to act steps unthinkable during the LKY reign. Musa Hitam, in contrast, had less unrelenting commitment than LKY had. Rahmat had been the first to persuade Mahathir to form an overthrow of the current PPP leadership. While months went by, State President Rahmat perform manoeuvres that past administration would consider as treason of the government.

Since the revaluation in 1985, the minimum wage was Rp3,500 monthly, but the Nusantara officials had unilaterally raised the wage to Rp 5,000. This was from the local union’s plea which heard only by the state government. State President of Nusantara argued that the imposition had existed way before the election The declaration was published on 5th September. The Premier was desperate on resolving the issue because as payday would come, an unprecedented outcome would definitely have meant the economic downturn to be worse than before. In Rahmat’s eyes, this was his perfect gamble. Should the government fail and economic slug occurred, he has disenchanted people from his perceived ‘temporary’ joys of capitalism. Should the government succeed, his pro-welfare policy will continue to push aggressively for attracting workers.

State President of Nusantara Mohamed Rahmat and his pro-labour laws, 1986​

Premier Musa Hitam was incapacitated on fighting against multiple fronts. His ministers sounded warnings an economic downturn was imminent with Rahmat’s deeds. Nonetheless, Musa Hitam his best to mitigate the impending loss by printing more money. But, he was too late.

As the 29th of September arrived, multiple businesses liquidated themselves from the unwelcoming minimum wage on Nusantara. Industrial complexes sent hundreds of thousands home as their worth had become too expensive to sustain. The crippled secondary sector inflicted damage to the service commodity, destroying trade values. Thus, the stock market worsened its fall. The proceeding events marked the nation’s slow fall to the infamous Crisis of 1986.

===========================​

Mohamed Rahmat OTL was the Information Minister of Malaysia. ITTL he is the State President of Nusantara, his power is alike to the Republic of Indonesia during the United States of Indonesia Era. If the federal government had a rival government, it would be the State Republic of Nusantara.

You may think Rahmat's motives are a bit strange, but this is the perfect example of Indonesia's socialists. OTL Indonesia has always had socialist tendencies that never changed, businesses would still be regulated as opposed to Taiwan or maybe Malaysia. The current Omnibus Law still suffered backlash despite passed. ITTL, socialists had been discouraged with LKY's economic system. This Indonesia was more of Greater-Singapore ITTL, therefore opposition against the system was apparent. It was not that LKY despised socialism, no. His economic policies were relaxed that most conservative Indonesian thinkers would think of it as 'radically liberal'. This Rahmat character ITTL was the embodiment of decades from presidents that neglected the socialist side of economics.

In the upcoming chapters, we would see how Rahmat thought of non-economic issues, like social or cultural change in Indonesia. However, I also wanted to address the Crisis of 1986. A small hint for the crisis: it would be transregional.

 

[Rfl23]

Oh interestinv we finally see some more post about indonesia socialism

 

[SkylineDreamer]

The Crisis of 1986: Prologue

We have experienced the height of materialistic voyeurs for the last 30 years. The nation has transformed itself from an agrarian home into a regional powerhouse. We were unstoppable back then until the crisis emerged. The crisis abruptly changed the leadership and possibly granting instability for years to come.
Edi Sudrajat, 1999

No other region has witnessed the economic miracle of the late 20th Century better than the Asia Pacific. Since the fall of the Japanese Empire and embrace the American order, Asian allies of the West flourish in success and influence on the global stage. The Korean War basically boosted Japanese commercial prowess internationally, some considering levels on par with the United States. With Japanese might, the boom has spread throughout neighbours like Korea or Taiwan (although relatively delayed). Not in the distant future, these nations would also spread the wealth to Indonesia and her two most favourable allies, granting them the new generation of Asian economic tigers.

For Indonesia, the Subandrio Administration was commemorated with exceptional growth and capital on her people. Tens of millions carried themselves away from the average poverty limit, most of them becoming the thriving consumeristic middle class that rotates the circulation of money even better. Up until 1985, Indonesia’s economy was a 10-year outstanding growth. Yet, a variety of warnings had signalled an end to this upwards trend. Nevertheless, the subtlety of these warning had been the reason why the crisis it came after was devastating.

Firstly, common to the popular agreement, the agrarian sector had been the main culprit. Regardless of the inevitable change in which a nation must leave its farming phase to industrialize itself, Indonesia was rendered prematurely transformed. The government has admittedly skipped crucial steps of developing the nation. The mechanization of agrarian appliances had been comparably slow, the importance of this sector had not been stressed enough and the countryside had lost direction over time. Thus, villages often witnessed a dwindling of their population as young people were interested in moving to cities. Cities consumed vast amounts of food that only the countryside provided. As a result, the strain on consumer goods inevitably increases raw imports. This was dangerous as reliance on foreign trade will become one of the cases why the crisis was so profound.

Second, which indirectly contributed as the fuse for this crisis, was the growing laxity from the relaxed system of local liberalism. President Subandrio’s socio-cultural policies were ineffective in continuing the balance and Premier LKY had stressed the economy above all. The void of any cultural stances by the government grew distrusts that plagued the middle-aged populace to form a specific rebellious stance against the growing free society. With the young becoming open and wild, the old opposed themselves farther to the conservative side. While these social struggles occurred in big cities where capital had flowed rapidly, the hinterland was definitely not the case. They had been radicalized by their loss of productive workers to the cities, so cities often being described as evil, lecherous absorbers that took the village’s opportunities. While metropolitans have become bigger and richer, the countryside generally loses profit and significance. Therefore, most anti-liberal supporters came from this side of the nation, radicalizing everyone there including those young people whose parents have been indoctrinated for years antagonizing big metropolitans.

It formerly was a battle between young and old, but the current federal government’s administrative division solidified disputes which stressed the urban-rural divide. The Federal Districts and the State Republics had been the striking example of why it has been the case. The central government occupied economically strong cities while the state republics was left with backwater, isolated regions. This appropriate predicament was the reason State Republic Nusantara opposed the central government as soon as the federal power showed apparent fractures.

As mentioned beforehand, the State Republic of Nusantara was the federal’s staunch opposes solely for the nation’s unfavourable regions from the government’s ‘cherry-picking’ strategy. The Federal Districts were selectively chosen around Nusantara which possessed vast potential which any suburban or surrounding rural wished to receive. Big metropolitans like Jakarta and Singapore brought forth extensive wealth towards the city population, but it was limited only to the most direct neighbours. Unfortunate locations like Cilacap, Tegal and Cirebon continued to stagnate as their population prefer migrating to said federal districts.

The unattractiveness of Nusantara had been a major reason why Mohamed Rahmat had been extremely vigorous on expanding the labour laws; it was the most effective legislation to recall those flocking migrants back. Notwithstanding other sensible reason why raising labour conditions at that time, Mohamed Rahmat was perceived as simply retaking his own nation. That was why the countryside had been vigilant in supporting Mohamed Rahmat and elated for a new federal government.

Nearing the 30th day of the month, companies one by one discharged a portion of their workers to alleviate the financial burden. Approximately 50 thousand workers, notably from satellite cities for the federal district, lost their pay and left for home. The dissatisfied proletariat immediately launched a protest against their dismissal. A demonstration followed after to the companies’ headquarters, demanding at least an equitable compensation for sudden unemployment. Most of the business conglomerates shrugged them off as they faced another problem; reduction of productivity. Worse, much of this inflicted the most damage on canned goods, crucial for city-dwellers.

The fall of production started the cataclysmic domino into a crisis. As production fell, factories failed to sustain the consumption that had been stable before. On 12th October 1986, prices of goods skyrocketed and shopping centres had food shortages. Then, just like clockwork, every price inflated highly to follow the rapidly rising food prices. Not just another two weeks, the stock prices fell 25%, millions of lives lost their jobs and money. Inflation had just arrived on the corner. Public agitation rose and protest grew rampant in almost all of Indonesia. The most unaffected, weirdly, was the other State Republics like Papua, Melanesia and Madagascar, all of them purposefully distanced themselves from the chaos which was happening in Nusantara.

Western Indonesia had been hit the hardest by the economic panic. Soon, the successive month greets the government with widespread protests. Some of them demanded the regional government to cease this self-destructive initiative and follow the central government. Yet, the larger, still more populated state republic rallied to end the Federal’s reluctance on reducing profitability for welfare.

The federal government announced that they would negotiate with the regional government about a possible compromise to end this calamity. President Subandrio supported Musa Hitam and Mohammed Rahmat for a meeting. They eventually agreed in Bogor, where three parties would cold-headedly solve this issue.

---

President Subandrio was the most powerful man in the room. Yet, he sat there helpless by both sides of the issue. He has heard the arguments which Premier Musa Hitam and State President Mohammed Rahmat expressed passionately so that a fight nearly happened. On the third day of negotiation, the President truly fathomed there would not be any agreement by dusk. He decided to intervene hand, now.

Subandrio understood the concerns of the two gentlemen which made the president thought deeply about this issue. For nearly thirty years of experience in politics, foreign policy was equivalently messy like the ones he faced today. However, as foreign policy affected only how others perceived Indonesia, Subandrio was meticulous to balance both sides of the argument, decide which will affect the entire people of Indonesia the best and find his sound determination.

Premier Musa Hitam, unsurprisingly similar to the late Premier’s opinion, had expressed that Indonesia would lose the opportunity it presented on the global stage. While China and India remained isolated with Japan already moved far beyond the developing stage, it left Indonesia and few others to carry the torch for the economic benefits it would reap. Interestingly, the Premier connected his tangible state uniquely with the promises our forefathers dreamt during independence.

“It is not the best way, but it was the most effective. The boom in the economy will push prosperity better, sooner or later. But, as most of our dearest economist has argued, we are far from that stage yet, we merely achieve halfway. If we decide to increase labour laws, it would only end the benefits Indonesia has been given since the Nasution era. We just waste thirty years of another economic positivity. Our forefathers had expressed a dream which Indonesia remained prosper and rich, I see this as a square method of plans we can achieve.”

However, State President Mohammed Rahmat had proclaimed that in the process of industrializing, we had neglected far too many of our farmers into destitute. The urbanization process was so fast that the countryside lost more than it could maintain. In the end, the advancement of factories would end up sacrificing the array, a futile trade according to him. Also, he mentioned on numerous corporations exploited the inexperience and lack of information farmers and labours had to comply with a job they even cannot live upon. These pro-labour law was a saviour for most of them, and until justice being made, they would only antagonize the federal government stronger. President Subandrio, with all being said, also supported Mohammed Rahmat under this matter.

The first and second day was full of a heated argument, sometimes ended up with slurs declaring each other villainous. Despite them being born on the same peninsula, Subandrio was quite intrigued by their ideological passion. Unlike back in his days, most ideas formed by a charismatic figure, unlike now that had been party-driven, or collectively endorsed. Moreover, unlike the old political system which used far simple and mundane strategies of no opinions and just arrests, these men retorted with hard facts and solid data. Their days of debate could fascinate Subandrio with how changed his nation has become, a proto-Westernized society that he himself had silently fancy on. Nonetheless, the current crisis was childish on his behalf, he thought he needed to finish this issue with an executive order. Dated back from Sukarno's regime, executive order had been efficacious in solving nationwide issues. Such as the declaration of survival against the British Empire, the controversial reconstruction and lastly Subandrio's plea for better education, most executive orders (more like commandments) had been a positive outcome for Indonesia.

President Subandrio, after his break for Asr prayer, will announce his own decision by the time after. His declaration will be publicized, Rahmat and Musa must honour the executive decision created by him. Despite the presidential powers to become somewhat ceremonial, the President was still highly respected from the legacy two previous presidents had given. On the 11th of November 1986, after a compromise from both powers, Subandrio roared the populace with a speech.

Bismillahirrahmanirrahim

My brothers and sister who currently attend this press conference, and to all of the people who watch this broadcast.

Assalamualaikum warahmatullahi wabarakatuh

Firstly, I would like to express my thanks to all the workers in Indonesia. You have arduously strived for the result which the country had been extremely grateful of your sacrifice. For the past few years, jobs had been increasingly available nationally. Yet, as I would like to express today, some of these opportunities show concerns of those who stayed within their own kampungs.

Before I declare my true intentions of this public broadcast, I would like also to announce recognition to entrepreneurs all across the nation that had opened companies whose success was immeasurably beneficial to Indonesia for the last decade. Your diligence and hard work had made outstanding levels of achievement that we are comparably competitive with secondary powers of the world. Without these creative thinkers, Indonesia would not be as powerful as it is now. Still, these same entrepreneurs were condemned by our own men. They mostly condemned these men as too creative, sometimes allowing backroom deals that the populace wholeheartedly felt betrayed upon.

Subandrio then stopped for a moment, letting the populace absorb his words.

The meeting today in this place was destined to hold a compromise between two Indonesians on different objectives. The division had been so serious that the regional government had turned against the central government. Moreover, the fight which has taken place also ruined the nation deeply from the rising unemployment, inflation and all sorts of economic woes that we have never experienced and should not be, especially under my administration. As duty for the whole nation of Indonesia, I intend to mediate for their behalf, which fruited only three days of desperation and fruitless agreement.

It was not entirely their fault, personally. The people of Indonesia surely had recognized the crossroads which we delved in, picking choices is difficult under a naturally human world. On many occasions, sacrifices must be made to continue on the path. It has been done countless times, during our struggle for independence, during our struggle of maintaining independence, and the times currently another struggle we have to face.

For that record, as a duty as the unifying figure of the Federal Republic of Indonesia. I solely announce the State Republic of Nusantara to cease the raise effectively immediately. In the meantime, the government will apply necessary measures which the farmers would be heard. We will not redo our mistakes on not listening to the voices of people. The Federal Republic of Indonesia is for the people, and we should act accordingly.

Live and yet Live, Indonesia!

Assalamualaikum warahmatullahi wabarakatuh

---

I'm back guys.

In this chapter, we would see the first glimpse of President Subandrio announcing an incredibly controversial topic (which he could lose popularity).

The next chapter would be addressing other crises immediately after Subandrio's speech. As said in the quote, it was just the beginning (sadly).

 

[Rfl23]

Ah 1992 come early i see

 

[SkylineDreamer]

The Crisis of 1986: Jakarta v. Nusantara

Backlash ensued after the President’s public response ceased the Governor’s attempts to pass the troubling labour law. The regional authority complied anyway, they delayed most of the parts into next year, gaining almost three months for further negotiations. During that time period, substantial unrest occurred all across Indonesia, notably in major urban centres with high concentration.

According to most noble politicians, Subandrio had been reckless in determining the controversial matter in his own hands. Despite his job of handling exactly matters that if not manage could disrupt the unity of the nation, Subandrio acted hastily on issues that may need time. Based on this matter, Subandrio had effectively shut down the hero of the Nusantara countryside, alienating his popularity deeply into the abyss. Expectedly, a public backlash erupted in protest of the president’s decision. Many on the television concurred this topic as common public debate. Unfortunately, many of the adversaries are charismatic, cunning figures.

The first man who proceeded on criticizing the President’s speech was Nahdatul Ulama leader Abdurrahman Wahid. He, who also was widely known as Gus Dur, censured on the government’s minute of empathy to whom most of the citizens of Indonesia belong. His voter base, located mostly within the heart of the Nusantara State Republic, felt the dearest on the failure of their hope which was the Labour Law of 1986. As most of the Ulama’s supporters were traditionally accustomed farmers, clerks and workmen, they brought masses to protest at the nearest Federal District and deconcentrated federal-owned building. Those locations were Semarang, Surabaya, Bandung, Walini City and Jakarta.
​

Workers protest rallying to Jakarta from Bekasi​

Musa Hitam’s first counter to the NU was reminding Gus Dur of his previous government’s agreement for a future on a cooperative basis. That agreement ultimately rebuked by Gus Dur as it was tangled with the rising Islam radicalism which his own organization wished to quench. Also, the traditional, mystified, form of Islam in Indonesia was rather well-defended by loyal believers. Nevertheless, Musa Hitam’s careless manoeuvre cost him another resentment from NU’s loyal adherents. Not only they loved their leader, but they also were willing whatever Gus Dur urged them to. The turbulence the government had caused in this year alone gave Gus Dur the necessary popularity to propel him as the sole idol of the Nahdatul Ulama. Elected in Situbundo in 1984, his early years were full of consolidation and strengthening his position as the head of the organization. Slowly, Gus Dur’s popularity rose and people began to support him. In a little, subtler context, his criticism may have credited respect towards a new group; the non-Muslims.

Gus Dur’s other charms were humour and tolerance with the latter initially deprecated by his own NU ulamas. While he commonly used humour in preaches, sermons and public seminars, his tolerance helped him attract non-Muslim supporters. In 1985, he commenced multiple appearances in churches, temples and viharas. Indeed, his supporters were quite agitated with their leader ‘too fond’ of non-Muslim adherents. The sentiment ended conveniently, as Gus Dur’s good luck could have been, by the current commotion at the federal level. That was the case because few parishioners, especially Catholic ones in Yogyakarta and Surakarta, heavily championed the new law. Buddhism follower in the northern coasts of Java, a majority of the ones who remained outside Federal Cities were low-income blue-collar workers, who also advocated the law. The veto of the law not only gained more criticism on the federal government, but the countryside also put aside religious differences to fight for the law.
​

Fellow santri, ustad, ulama. Fellow Indonesians of a different faith. Not only does our livelihood may hamper under the cancellation of the law, but it would also destroy the hope which we have dreamt of for so long. That is why, we, not only Islams, Christians, Buddhism, etc., but as Nusantaran people, fight against the tyranny that the central government can suppress. Not only we can reclaim our rights, but we also can unite against the ‘greed of the devil’.

Abdurrahman Wahid​

The second figure to exploit the opportunity, unsurprisingly, was Abdurrahman al-Baghdadi, the leader of the HTI movement. Formed in 1983 during al-Badghadi’s stay in Australia, the purist Islamic movement had been gradually gaining traction especially on the desperate poor which had lost hope on the government, both local and federal level. Previously campaigned for a pro-Wahhabism affiliation on belief, tradition and customs, HTI had become the correctional alternative view confronting the Kismayo Crisis. The HTI movement attracted especially temperament youths that saw their parents, accusing their disillusionment with mystical trusts or liberal friendliness that the youths opposed by HTI’s indoctrination.
​

HTI Protest in 1986, gaining traction in the 90s and 00s
​

Despite being the end of the anti-establishment faction, HTI in contrast garnered members within indigent urban sprawls. In the State Republic of Nusantara, NU and Muhammadiyah had defended their base persistently despite showing cracks after the Kismayo Crisis. HTI had also been discouraged by the military because they had insulted Pancasila and the previous regimes for being too Western. Considering former President Nasution and former Prime Minister Suharto to be popular in the military, they had been elated to crack down several HTI bases deemed ‘endangering the principles of Pancasila’.

For Abdurrahman al-Baghdadi, the labour law was his perfect moment to rise and challenge the religious establishment Islam Indonesia supported. Especially Mecca’s host nation Saudi Arabia was increasingly reinforcing purist beliefs on everyone visiting for hajj, HTI’s contentious oration allured gradual sympathy. Behind the scenes, converted elites also funded HTI for expanding their movement.
​

Islam teaches every one of us to be equal, willful, and compassionate to others. The federal government had proven himself to be not a Muslim, particularly Muhammad’s pure followers of his teachings. As this movement promised, we would help the labour law to pass as this is our struggle on advocating the true Islam in Indonesia.

Abdurrahman Al-Baghdadi​

The two-character opted to crusade against the scrapping of the 1986 Labour Law only propel countless other figures to join aside. Activists, local charmers, broadcasters and local politicians emerged on fighting against the Subandrio’s commentary. The campaign had not been finding an alternative by next year, but a return of the implementation by the new year. Pressure mounted on the federal government heavily on Musa Hitam’s burden. To exacerbate the fragility of the current Musa reign, another crisis had provoked in foreign relations.
​

---

1st December 1986
Ministry of Foreign Relations Office, Jakarta

Last September, the people of the Philippines saw the most shocking election in their history. Neither Raul's Liberal Party nor Aquilino Laban[1] won the election, despite all media coverage had bet on either of the two. Teofisto Tayko Guingona Jr. from the deep socialist DSP[2], swept the popular vote by 21.13% of the voter margin. It was unprecedented and shocking to the news and the world. But, for Foreign Minister Anwar Ibrahim, it was the perfect actual occurrence of ‘when two fights, the third wins’.
​

President of the Philippines (1986-) Teofisto Tayko Guingona Jr.
​

The politics in the northern neighbour could be summarized simply by a logical conclusion. Both Aquilino and Raul, despite showing opposite policies, ideas and promises, tried to appease the centrist moderates that mostly the nation voted. The centrist idea had maintained for decades in Philippine history, only a few names could sustain power without cooperating with the middle. The Nacionalista Party of Marcos seized the right voters, but the right was fractured by typical regionalism and local parties, thus hampering another pro-Marcos win. Thus, the only single uncontested block was left voters. As the communist party had been banned in the 50s, the Philippines Laban had all their time when the entire left would vote for the best candidate. Communist sympathizers, as one might have assumed, would grandly campaign for Teofisto, securing him a presidency. The president was quite controversial upon inauguration, and worse on his foreign policy.

The president had announced that the Philippines would leave South Vietnam in their own interests and stop sending supplies that ‘wasted their allowance’. Moreover, he considered efforts on leaving the EAC and finding their own destiny. This was a typical attitude on most East Asian lefts. It happened in North Vietnam, causing the Chinese to stop funding. It almost happened in Cambodia when they distrusted North Vietnam. Left-wing ideologies in East Asia was populist-driven that compromise with other powers meant death and betrayal of the people.

The stop of aid had made the Saigon government repetitiously demand Indonesia to help. This was bolstered by sudden change by Vice President McNamara’s Asian Call Speech, which assembled East Asian nations to aid the growing conflict in Indochina. Already losing on popularity and legitimacy, the Glenn Administration distressed on finding a good public view to save his reelection. The 1986 midterms have finished, and the Democrats barely holding on to the majority in both Senate and House. Still, now with Indonesia’s economy going shambles, Washington DC had demanded the Indonesian government to actively use the military to aid the Vietnamese fellow. Threats like ceasing the scientific improvement Indonesia had been benefiting, donations to Papua’s infrastructure and the protection the States gave had been three of many ‘if nots’ Anwar Ibrahim needed to consider.

“Sir,” his office secretary greeted Anwar,” Defense Minister Try Sutrisno is here.”

“Ah, yes. Tell him to come here please.”

Anwar Ibrahim expressed formalities to the general, exchanging remarks and goodwill. Still, unexpected to Anwar, Try Sutrisno already opened a discussion.

“Anwar, the conditions in South Vietnam had been radically Americanized. An escalation would happen if the Americans keep sending their troops there. Contrary to popular belief, I thought the Democrats were pacifists enough to refrain from doing so. I was wrong.”

“I have told you, Try. If you want to engage the army, the President is the one you need to contact, not me.”

“But Anwar, you’re the President’s aide. He only trusts few others, and you are one of them. His pacifism only resorted to the stagnation and decline of Indonesia. He naively demanded the return of our troops in Africa, not knowing that they too became antagonistic because of that reason.”

Anwar deflected the argument, “The economy is also bad, Try. With the current dispute between the local and federal government, I don’t think we could return as usual.”

“The economy can be recovered if South Vietnam stabilized. You know from Trihandoko how a stable and friendly South East Asia can boost our domestic income. Hell, sometimes war can improve the economy.”

“What are you saying?” Anwar wasn’t sure he would like the answer.

“There was a reason why we had been at war for thirty years and won almost most of them. Indonesians are committed, innovative and damn tenacious. But that comes with a purpose, a difficult purpose which the current administration cannot provide. The 1986 Labour Law only strengthened Indonesians to fight against the federal government, it carried instability and maybe destroy the federation we establish.

The point is the government had running in circles ever since Subandrio called out our forces in Africa. The economy was not his miracle; it was LKY’s. The lame-duck governance would only paved way for more extreme ones. Therefore, I need you to tell Subandrio that he needs to compose himself. The alternative one can provide, currently, was to persuade the federal government we can help our allies.”

Anwar Ibrahim digested the thought of Try Sutrisno. Sure, people had interests but no one knew the real intention of the president himself. Pacifism and education had been his enthusiastic path, but the Kismayo Crisis and the bad coherence of bilingual education had robbed the popularity of LKY’s wonderful policies. In his opinion, Subandrio now tries to reinforce LKY’s popular policies, which now crumbled after the 1986 Labour Law. This was not his area of expertise, but the brewing protest sure thrilled him as an Indonesian.

“Of course, Try. I maybe will try to concur with him.”
​

---

[1] This ATL Laban was not created by Benigno Aquino, but Aquilino himself as a protest for both Liberal and Nacionalista pro-Western.
[2] The DSP (Demokratikong Sosyalistang Partido) was an ATL made, technically socialist party like Indonesia's PRD or PPI. There are also allegations which the Communist Party of the Philippines may have funded the Party. Nevertheless, it has won the election. This reflected the 1912 US Election where Wilson won against the Republicans and fractured Republican Progressives.

Next up would be the core of the protest movement, and the government response regarding it.

 

[Rfl23]

The Crisis of 1986: Jakarta v. Nusantara

Backlash ensued after the President’s public response ceased the Governor’s attempts to pass the troubling labour law. The regional authority complied anyway, they delayed most of the parts into next year, gaining almost three months for further negotiations. During that time period, substantial unrest occurred all across Indonesia, notably in major urban centres with high concentration.

According to most noble politicians, Subandrio had been reckless in determining the controversial matter in his own hands. Despite his job of handling exactly matters that if not manage could disrupt the unity of the nation, Subandrio acted hastily on issues that may need time. Based on this matter, Subandrio had effectively shut down the hero of the Nusantara countryside, alienating his popularity deeply into the abyss. Expectedly, a public backlash erupted in protest of the president’s decision. Many on the television concurred this topic as common public debate. Unfortunately, many of the adversaries are charismatic, cunning figures.

The first man who proceeded on criticizing the President’s speech was Nahdatul Ulama leader Abdurrahman Wahid. He, who also was widely known as Gus Dur, censured on the government’s minute of empathy to whom most of the citizens of Indonesia belong. His voter base, located mostly within the heart of the Nusantara State Republic, felt the dearest on the failure of their hope which was the Labour Law of 1986. As most of the Ulama’s supporters were traditionally accustomed farmers, clerks and workmen, they brought masses to protest at the nearest Federal District and deconcentrated federal-owned building. Those locations were Semarang, Surabaya, Bandung, Walini City and Jakarta.
​

View attachment 659185
Workers protest rallying to Jakarta from Bekasi​

Musa Hitam’s first counter to the NU was reminding Gus Dur of his previous government’s agreement for a future on a cooperative basis. That agreement ultimately rebuked by Gus Dur as it was tangled with the rising Islam radicalism which his own organization wished to quench. Also, the traditional, mystified, form of Islam in Indonesia was rather well-defended by loyal believers. Nevertheless, Musa Hitam’s careless manoeuvre cost him another resentment from NU’s loyal adherents. Not only they loved their leader, but they also were willing whatever Gus Dur urged them to. The turbulence the government had caused in this year alone gave Gus Dur the necessary popularity to propel him as the sole idol of the Nahdatul Ulama. Elected in Situbundo in 1984, his early years were full of consolidation and strengthening his position as the head of the organization. Slowly, Gus Dur’s popularity rose and people began to support him. In a little, subtler context, his criticism may have credited respect towards a new group; the non-Muslims.

Gus Dur’s other charms were humour and tolerance with the latter initially deprecated by his own NU ulamas. While he commonly used humour in preaches, sermons and public seminars, his tolerance helped him attract non-Muslim supporters. In 1985, he commenced multiple appearances in churches, temples and viharas. Indeed, his supporters were quite agitated with their leader ‘too fond’ of non-Muslim adherents. The sentiment ended conveniently, as Gus Dur’s good luck could have been, by the current commotion at the federal level. That was the case because few parishioners, especially Catholic ones in Yogyakarta and Surakarta, heavily championed the new law. Buddhism follower in the northern coasts of Java, a majority of the ones who remained outside Federal Cities were low-income blue-collar workers, who also advocated the law. The veto of the law not only gained more criticism on the federal government, but the countryside also put aside religious differences to fight for the law.



The second figure to exploit the opportunity, unsurprisingly, was Abdurrahman al-Baghdadi, the leader of the HTI movement. Formed in 1983 during al-Badghadi’s stay in Australia, the purist Islamic movement had been gradually gaining traction especially on the desperate poor which had lost hope on the government, both local and federal level. Previously campaigned for a pro-Wahhabism affiliation on belief, tradition and customs, HTI had become the correctional alternative view confronting the Kismayo Crisis. The HTI movement attracted especially temperament youths that saw their parents, accusing their disillusionment with mystical trusts or liberal friendliness that the youths opposed by HTI’s indoctrination.
​

View attachment 659184
HTI Protest in 1986, gaining traction in the 90s and 00s
​

Despite being the end of the anti-establishment faction, HTI in contrast garnered members within indigent urban sprawls. In the State Republic of Nusantara, NU and Muhammadiyah had defended their base persistently despite showing cracks after the Kismayo Crisis. HTI had also been discouraged by the military because they had insulted Pancasila and the previous regimes for being too Western. Considering former President Nasution and former Prime Minister Suharto to be popular in the military, they had been elated to crack down several HTI bases deemed ‘endangering the principles of Pancasila’.

For Abdurrahman al-Baghdadi, the labour law was his perfect moment to rise and challenge the religious establishment Islam Indonesia supported. Especially Mecca’s host nation Saudi Arabia was increasingly reinforcing purist beliefs on everyone visiting for hajj, HTI’s contentious oration allured gradual sympathy. Behind the scenes, converted elites also funded HTI for expanding their movement.



The two-character opted to crusade against the scrapping of the 1986 Labour Law only propel countless other figures to join aside. Activists, local charmers, broadcasters and local politicians emerged on fighting against the Subandrio’s commentary. The campaign had not been finding an alternative by next year, but a return of the implementation by the new year. Pressure mounted on the federal government heavily on Musa Hitam’s burden. To exacerbate the fragility of the current Musa reign, another crisis had provoked in foreign relations.
​

---

1st December 1986
Ministry of Foreign Relations Office, Jakarta

Last September, the people of the Philippines saw the most shocking election in their history. Neither Raul's Liberal Party nor Aquilino Laban[1] won the election, despite all media coverage had bet on either of the two. Teofisto Tayko Guingona Jr. from the deep socialist DSP[2], swept the popular vote by 21.13% of the voter margin. It was unprecedented and shocking to the news and the world. But, for Foreign Minister Anwar Ibrahim, it was the perfect actual occurrence of ‘when two fights, the third wins’.
​

View attachment 659190
President of the Philippines (1986-) Teofisto Tayko Guingona Jr.
​

The politics in the northern neighbour could be summarized simply by a logical conclusion. Both Aquilino and Raul, despite showing opposite policies, ideas and promises, tried to appease the centrist moderates that mostly the nation voted. The centrist idea had maintained for decades in Philippine history, only a few names could sustain power without cooperating with the middle. The Nacionalista Party of Marcos seized the right voters, but the right was fractured by typical regionalism and local parties, thus hampering another pro-Marcos win. Thus, the only single uncontested block had been left, voters. As the communist party had been banned in the 50s, the Philippines Laban had all their time when the entire left would vote for the best candidate. Communist sympathizers, as one might have assumed, would grandly campaign for Teofisto, securing him a presidency. The president was quite controversial upon inauguration, and worse on his foreign policy.

The president had announced that the Philippines would leave South Vietnam in their own interests and stop sending supplies that ‘wasted their allowance’. Moreover, he considered efforts on leaving the EAC and finding their own destiny. This was a typical attitude on most East Asian lefts. It happened in North Vietnam, causing the Chinese to stop funding. It almost happened in Cambodia when they distrusted North Vietnam. Left-wing ideologies in East Asia was populist-driven that compromise with other powers meant death and betrayal of the people.

The stop of aid had made the Saigon government repetitiously demand Indonesia to help. This was bolstered by sudden change by Vice President McNamara’s Asian Call Speech, which assembled East Asian nations to aid the growing conflict in Indochina. Already losing on popularity and legitimacy, the Glenn Administration distressed on finding a good public view to save his reelection. The 1986 midterms have finished, and the Democrats barely holding on to the majority in both Senate and House. Still, now with Indonesia’s economy going shambles, Washington DC had demanded the Indonesian government to actively use the military to aid the Vietnamese fellow. Threats like ceasing the scientific improvement Indonesia had been benefiting, donations to Papua’s infrastructure and the protection the States gave had been three of many ‘if nots’ Anwar Ibrahim needed to consider.

“Sir,” his office secretary greeted Anwar,” Defense Minister Try Sutrisno is here.”

“Ah, yes. Tell him to come here please.”

Anwar Ibrahim expressed formalities to the general, exchanging remarks and goodwill. Still, unexpected to Anwar, Try Sutrisno already opened a discussion.

“Anwar, the conditions in South Vietnam had been radically Americanized. An escalation would happen if the Americans keep sending their troops there. Contrary to popular belief, I thought the Democrats were pacifists enough to refrain from doing so. I was wrong.”

“I have told you, Try. If you want to engage the army, the President is the one you need to contact, not me.”

“But Anwar, you’re the President’s aide. He only trusts few others, and you are one of them. His pacifism only resorted to the stagnation and decline of Indonesia. He naively demanded the return of our troops in Africa, not knowing that they too became antagonistic because of that reason.”

Anwar deflected the argument, “The economy is also bad, Try. With the current dispute between the local and federal government, I don’t think we could return as usual.”

“The economy can be recovered if South Vietnam stabilized. You know from Trihandoko how a stable and friendly South East Asia can boost our domestic income. Hell, sometimes war can improve the economy.”

“What are you saying?” Anwar wasn’t sure he would like the answer.

“There was a reason why we had been at war for thirty years and won almost most of them. Indonesians are committed, innovative and damn tenacious. But that comes with a purpose, a difficult purpose which the current administration cannot provide. The 1986 Labour Law only strengthened Indonesians to fight against the federal government, it carried instability and maybe destroy the federation we establish.

The point is the government had running in circles ever since Subandrio called out our forces in Africa. The economy was not his miracle; it was LKY’s. The lame-duck governance would only paved way for more extreme ones. Therefore, I need you to tell Subandrio that he needs to compose himself. The alternative one can provide, currently, was to persuade the federal government we can help our allies.”

Anwar Ibrahim digested the thought of Try Sutrisno. Sure, people had interests but no one knew the real intention of the president himself. Pacifism and education had been his enthusiastic path, but the Kismayo Crisis and the bad coherence of bilingual education had robbed the popularity of LKY’s wonderful policies. In his opinion, Subandrio now tries to reinforce LKY’s popular policies, which now crumbled after the 1986 Labour Law. This was not his area of expertise, but the brewing protest sure thrilled him as an Indonesian.

“Of course, Try. I maybe will try to concur with him.”
​

---

[1] This ATL Laban was not created by Benigno Aquino, but Aquilino himself as a protest for both Liberal and Nacionalista pro-Western.
[2] The DSP (Demokratikong Sosyalistang Partido) was an ATL made, technically socialist party like Indonesia's PRD or PPI. There are also allegations which the Communist Party of the Philippines may have funded the Party. Nevertheless, it has won the election. This reflected the 1912 US Election where Wilson won against the Republicans and fractured Republican Progressives.

Next up would be the core of the protest movement, and the government response regarding it.

Phillipines going red and the HTI gaining power is a recipe for disaster but one where it could be interesting (hey who knows perhaps we will see a filipino civil war in the future and the HTI gaining more power in the indonesian underground)

 

[Ebanu8]

If there's one thing I can say for certain, Indonesia's still in for some more rough times up ahead.

 

[SkylineDreamer]

Another December of Protests

3rd December 1986
The Presidential Palace of the Federal Republic of Indonesia

It was not a déjà vu; it was blatantly a repetition of history. President Subandrio obviously acknowledged the memory of last year’s riots which protested after the Tragedy of Poroporo. This year, the law fiasco reminded the federal government how fragile stability and national peace can turn to be. The 72-year old man sat in the situation room, frantic and irritated with the cabinet’s power on resolving the issue.

“The situation has overreached our control, Mr Premier. We have lost our confidence in a national stage,” Try was commenting on Musa’s persistent stance to stop the law until a better, reasonable alternative was written. The Premier wished to revise for a lower wage and deletion on the insurance clause. While insurance of labour was depicted to be a morally necessary improvement, the State Republic of Nusantara demanded maternity leave, sustainable pension and unpayable money dismissal which meant that companies would bankrupt if they fire any worker. Even without the last clause, investors would find Indonesia less profitable in capital injection, leaving potential growth elsewhere, turning Indonesia into an unwanted pariah.

As many as Musa Hitam can express these concerns to the cabinet. Try Sutrisno, the Defense Minister, remained staunch that the populace would eventually kick the current administration out in favour of another of their liking. As a better alternative, he suggested giving the people a piece of distractive news elsewhere, which was helping the Vietnamese in the war. To his advantage, many of the cabinet members agreed on Try’s strategies. It had worked especially well during the Australian Aggression; It would work again under current circumstances.

That wretched sentence barely ceased the President’s annoyance with the hawkish defence minister. However, Musa Hitam had briefed the President the day before and expressed the cabinet concerns about him. Subandrio agreed that he had been lacking prompt, decisive and committed policy ever since the failure of the education policy of his liking. At that time, he would have demanded to have an official language of Indonesia, while English as the international language shall be spoken too all across Indonesia. Yet, as time went by, regionalist attitudes emerged. The Bilingual Act did not stop most provinces on Nusantara to teach Arabic, Mandarin, or local languages instead of English. Only Federal Districts (except Singapore, which had passed a law to promote both English and Mandarin as secondary languages) had been the strictest. While he tried imposing harsher parameter, Subandrio finally loosened and determine to not contribute further complications.

That said complications had left LKY the sole strong figure in the era, albeit the frustration from a majority whose Chinese-descendant tolerance had been controversially fluctuated. Subandrio’s one supported argument had been the minimum wage back in the 70s. He certainly could not use that achievement anymore, the modern workers actually protested against it. So, this administration was highly appreciative of LKY’s economic model, nothing more. Ultimately, as the death of that figure came sudden, so does the prosperity and stability under him.

Subandrio, as one might dream, thirsted for that kind of power and sturdiness, yet time and time he always hit the wrong note. Maybe, in his opinion, being a diplomatic foreign minister fruited a diplomatic president, not a strong one. He had been accustomed to flexibility on things that maybe would go South. But, he understood that age had taken a significant toll on his life. He became rigid, undiplomatic, apparent from last year’s records of the exasperating and emotionally engaged meetings with cabinets.

“Mr Defense Minister, can you elaborate how this tactic of yours can end this unstoppable cycle of protests?” The President stayed as calm as he wanted. He didn’t like Try’s simple manoeuvre of politics. However, his predecessor, Nasution, had maintained power for more than a decade. Maybe the President would listen for once.

“Mr President, our society was and still is, militaristic within nature. Our own passion fueled the continuation and at length victory for our side. We still have millions of people, young and old, all willing for an intervention to South Vietnam.”

President Subandrio understood this too. After the Tragedy of Poroporo, the populace quickly forgot it for the Cambodian Civil War that was gaining international attention due to its Cold War significance. After American support against the English, the people quickly gained support for any American’s support. Moreover, both Carter and Glenn Administration had aided Indonesia abundance of capital, intellect, and support. Subandrio would not object that America’s science cooperation satisfied Islamic scholars and intellectuals to not involve in politics. Scientists like Habibie, Bakrie, to Muhammadiyah intellectual Amien Rais, had endorsed the American system because of the technological superiority they admired. The pro-American sentiment still popular fortunately to make things work.

Nevertheless, President Subandrio was reluctant on pursuing particular motives. Years of meeting with foreign officials abroad surely broadened his geopolitical views both Western and Eastern Outlook. He especially studied well on the Soviet Union and the United States, both superpower nations with peremptory power on a sphere of influence. France, meanwhile, was famous for taking matters independently, therefore uniting his colonial possessions and no promise of independence, which according to the President a bitter demise. Indonesia, which had grown as a regional power, had been experimenting with interventionist attitudes. That, without the power, would make Indonesia fewer friends and more enemies.

Southern Africa was the greatest example of that result. Mozambique and Angola both loathed Indonesians as ‘traitorous third world’ power that licked America’s boots at expense of the region’s destruction. The Apartheid South Africa was also befriending Indonesia for industry and money, destroying more relations in Congo, East Africa and the Horn. Subandrio was afraid that contributing more troops to South Vietnam would eventually intensify the devastation.

The President sighed as the cabinet meeting became less useful from the bickering amongst ministers.​

---

2nd December Protest

​

Tuesday was the arrival date of the first wave of protests that originated from satellite cities around federal districts. The majority of which formed in Jakarta from the surrounding Depok, Bekasi and Tangerang municipals. These were workers from the State Republic of Nusantara, all wished the labour law to be implemented as soon as possible. The three main targets of the protestors were the Presidential Palace, the MPR Complex and Thamrin Roundabout. However, most of the protestors arrived in MPR Complex to criticize the federal government’s actions.​

MPR Building, 1986​

The arrival of the protest, ironically, was opposed by the residence of the surrounding MPR Complex. Senayan and Karet had become a moderate housing complex inhabited by notable conglomerates, each having its own set of security guards. A hostile exchange happened at the noon of December 2nd as complexes defended themselves from the incoming mass. Luckily, the mass moved to the MPR front gate for the main objective.

Unlike last year’s protest, this year was filled with angry farmers, workers and fishermen who had believed in the law passing in the State. The mass was commonly divided into three major sects, the HTI-sympathizers, the NU members and the PKI labours. Other non-official groups affiliated with either of the three sects, but must identify themselves with head attires.

The largest and most organized protestor on that day was the Perhimpunan Pekerja NU commandeered by a Madiun Mayor of Irfan Rasyid. Born from a respected generation of elders in his own county, he became the leader of his village before elected as Madiun Mayor in the early 1980s. Unlike other local officials who stayed in the office during his tenure, he sometimes returned to his home to even farm for the family. As a result, he was prevalent in the public eye, sometimes admired by village outsiders. Also a fellow adherent of the NU’s Islamic branch, he prayed unwaveringly in mosques and heard Friday Sermons routinely for the entirety of his lifetime. He was strongly inclined to NU and therefore joined the PPNU in 1983. In his point of view, he witnessed city growth from local televisions and envied them rather the stagnation of the hinterland likewise his village. Gradually, he pursued better welfare for his village who had been distantly cared for by the government.​

PPNU rallying people to come to Jakarta, 1986​

As NU endorsed his initiative of protest, he successfully collected 13000 people, in his village and surrounding area, to join the protest against the federal’s ruling. This was the first wave, as another 25000 more would join by the week after, giving pressure to the Parliament. Their demands were simple; to pass the Labour Law, and they would be home instantly. PPNU was, on the 2nd of December, the largest block in the three sects. However, he would soon be dwarfed by the second sect.

Sentral Organisasi Buruh Seluruh Indonesia was the 2nd sect that sided with the communist sympathizers of PPI. Rooted from Semaun of the ISDV party back in the 20s, SOBSI had gradually returned to the national stage after a period of discouragement from Nasution’s presidency. It was heavily affiliated to the PPI and formerly PKI, especially the instability caused by the communist uproar in the 60s. However, this organization was currently contested with Nasution’s Serikat Buruh Nasional Seluruh Indonesia, a PNI-R union. Nasution’s SBNSI was the largest union organization in Indonesia in the 80s, they supported neutrality and distance to any involvement for the protest. As a result, the SOBSI exploited the momentum to protest so they could steal union members from SBNSI and returned its status as the largest labour union.

The SOBSI was led by Bambang Wuryanto, a local representative of Semarang city’s workers’ industry. the SOBSI, notably for their’s far-fetched base from Jakarta, had divided arrival into five different times, each adding thousand to demand multiple agendas of the SOBSI. By the 2nd December, only 8500 people arrived with red headbands and loudspeakers. In contrary to NU’s broad usage of megaphones towards ulamas and public clergy, SOBSI’s loudspeakers are mostly given to agitators and activists from the PPI, campaigning further than the Labour Law. Several campaign wishes, were to enact a national program regarding agriculture and fishery industry, using the term ‘Green’ and ‘Blue’ Movement to boost the productivity of both sectors. They also criticized Indonesia’s leaning towards the United States, demanding the government to correct itself into a neutrality approach, risking tons of investments and benefits in progress.​

SOBSI in the 1986-1987 protests
​

Third and last of the big groups in the protest was Front Pemurnian Islam commandeered by an enthusiastic scholar Muhammad Rizieq Shihab. The acronym FPI was adopted deliberately to confuse people with FPI, the Islamic youth organization, to deliver a familiar essence to the Islamic population. Unlike the youth FPI, this group leaned on HTI’s campaign and much of the protestors were sympathizers of the new Islamic movement. Their campaign was connected loosely to the 1986 Labour Law; their main objective was to punish the government for the use of ‘scapegoating’ in the events of the Kismayo Crisis. He believed that the LKY Administration was guilty of tainting the name of Islam from the testimonies of the people who encountered horrors under the name of Islam. Furthermore, FPI was an acute anti-imperialist, anti-American rhetorician. They stressed an alliance with Saudi Arabia to ally with Islamic nations, sometimes carried on with a ‘unified Islamic Caliphate’. Unfortunately, the last motive was discouraged by many of Indonesia's older population who witnessed Islamic rebellions that wreck their childhood. Thus, this movement was carried more by young naïve scholars who blatantly accepted Saudi’s slightly radical preaching during their time of hajj.​

Habib Rizieq (right) as the leader of the protests​

The 2nd of December marked the first wave of protestors to arrive at the capital. Frictions and disputes were minimal during the early days. However, as waves came, the government was certain that these protesters could spark another national crisis. On the 15th, they sent a reserve garrison of Jakarta to monitor the protestors. Yet, much to their dismay, the protestors stayed in the roads, waiting for the faithful moment on January 5th, a Monday, for the annual opening-year congressional meeting.​

---

The buildup for what's to come in the protests. Indonesia would still have rough days ahead.
The government not unified with Subandrio still acting as an unstable commander with Musa losing power in the Parliament.
Two out of three new characters introduced as the protest's leaders are fictional, except the third one which Indonesians all know so well.
The next chapter would mainly be the government's panicked response to quickly end this nuisance, possible with a dialogue with the regional government.​

 

[Rfl23]

I wonder what the distraction might be

 

[Frederick II of the HRE]

I love this TL!

subbed.

 

[SkylineDreamer]

Same Problems, No Solution

12th December 1986
2020 Massachusetts Ave NW, Washington DC

Ambassador Ali Alatas had won the trust of the Nasution presidency as a prominent diplomat. He used to substitute as UN Ambassador and other fortunate positions. His descent tied with the Ba’Alwi Sada clan. However, due to Subandrio’s distrust against him, his promotion as Foreign Minister was cancelled in due time. He eventually repositioned into various representatives all across the globe, notable Japan, Germany and Canada. At least for almost a year now, his current stop is the Ambassador of Indonesia for the United States.

A year should definitely fail to comprehend the complexity of American politics, but Ali Alatas understood the mere broad outline of it currently happening. He was called by President Glenn for a simple conversation of goodwill. He accomplished it quite well, the former astronaut expressed great admiration of the archipelago nation of Indonesia, and his ties with the President grew. With help from the daily broadcast on the nation, Ali Alatas was capable to summarize what the public had seen in US politics and what really happened behind the scenes.

The bipartisan chasm can further be divided into several factions each that mainly contributed to the chaos which was the current American party system. Both Democrats and Republicans had their range of the spectrum, each had their own most moderates and most radicals. Unlike in Indonesia, where multi-party ruled, these parties emerged as one in America as factions within a party. Therefore, should two radical candidates had chosen by two parties, the election would have simply become who the lesser evil was to pick. This method, Alatas thought, was the first death symptoms of democracy. Fortunately, the system currently lingered on this delicate balance with moderate candidates.

The incumbent Democratic Party, in essence, had two conflicting bodies pushing to dominate each other in power. Those comprised New Deal Liberals and Progressive Wingers. New Deal Liberals adopted powerful social programs, civil rights, consumer protection and few others which Indonesia considered as blasphemy. This clan ruled the government since the 40s, and few of them constituted as party’s top officials. Notably Senator Ted Kennedy, The Udall Brothers [1] and Edmund Muskie with young followers such as Ed Markey, Paul Tsongas and Martin Sheen [2]. Progressive Wingers were nothing in common with the terminology of ‘progressivism’. Instead, that term was used to reform the Democratic Party which had been too exclusive for the North.

These Progressive Wingers were Southern Democrats which were the bane for the tumultuous period which was the 70s. Well known for pragmatic attitudes and bridging chasm, they were the ‘compromise’ candidates the Democratic Party applied to harness Republican voters at their extinction. Former President Carter as a great example continued the New Deal Liberals but gradually extorted policies that favoured farming and non-college workers, sometimes reinstate old policies which the Republicans used. The term 'Centrism' for Progressive Wingers was more apparent in the Southern States. Endorsements like saxophone artist Bill Clinton[3] and environmentalist politician Al Gore publicised this term showing pro-Southern Carter Democrats were. Without Reagan's popularity and small segregationist remnants, Carter's reign would have been perfect like FDR in the 40s.

This centrist strategy, along with a perfect period which was the 80s, was the reason why 1980 was a landslide without the President’s debate tactics even trying. Ali Alatas, upon looking at the progressive faction, was reminded by early LKY’s premiership. Alas, the Democratic Party resorted back to liberalism under Glenn, who was extremely supportive of Kennedy’s views. Unlike Carter, who was cheered in the South, Glenn was deeply appalling to their preference. Also, his stubbornness of Space Race contributed to few losses of notable party representative fledging to the new Conservative Party. His selection of McNamara was poor too, it practically undid the Southern Democrats approach in one election.

“Mr Ambassador, the CIA had given us reports for the Somalian status. They noted us to not cease hope on salvaging the ship,” Deputy Ambassador Ganjar Kartasaswita [4] reported.

“The ship has been exploded by our own Marines. How’s that supposedly recoverable? You know what, just put the documents there. I will look at it later,” Ali ordered.

Ali looked at the Television which had been on during his hours of cerebration. He noticed on representative Dick Gephardt condemning the upcoming devaluation next year by government officials.

The Inferred Television Broadcast​

“The continuation of lowering our currencies was entirely unnatural for a superior world power like the United States. The government keeps playing short benefits while destroying the American image. If our currencies could not be a world currency, how we supposed to become a global power?”

Dick Gephardt, 1986

Dick Gephardt, a Conservative Politician from Missouri, was what Ali Alatas comprehended as one of the Young Four. The Young Four were relatively reformist unlike the creators of the Conservative Party, the Reagan Coalition. The Young Four were modern Conservatives, they had Democratic opinions but they all despised the blue party by one notion; the dangers of economics. The Young Four battled the growing inflation with a tendency of repetitive devaluation and he continued to oppose it along with Joe Biden from Delaware, Dan Quayle from Indiana and Dick Cheney from Wyoming. Uniquely, these men had different subgenres they pursued. Dick Gephardt promised for conservation of marriage, Joe Biden proposed conservation of patriotic curriculum in education, Dan Quayle wished for better law reinforcement and Dick Cheney promoted big military. The youngsters had done extremely well in their States; they just need 1988 to prove their legitimacy for federal power.

“It seemed that the Conservative Party has developed for their ascension,” Ganjar stated. The news implicitly appraised the representative for his pertinent views on the slugging economy. Popularity had struggled for the President for a few months.

“Agree,” was all that I can say. The Conservatives had lost for almost a decade by absolute Democratic control. Either way, this party would have sprung up sooner or later, regardless of who to rally.

---

15th December 1986
Jakarta City Hall, Federal District Capital of Jakarta

The Jakarta City Hall or Balaikota, 1986​

Today, District Secretary of the capital Sudomo Hendarto [5] entered his conference room full of members of two crucial bodies. On the one side of the ballroom, members of the State Republic of Indonesia had gathered to battle for the Labour Law. The other side was Musa Hitam with the Federal Cabinet, looking for any alternatives to settle for a compromise.

Although this issue had been going on for quite some time, the 15th of December was the first conference which both parties had agreed on revising the Labour Law. Multiple meetings before had been stagnated within bulletins on what to discuss. At this time, they agreed on settling the demonstrations that had been arriving for days.

“What’s on the table? Secretary?” Hendarto signalled his Secretary Fauzi Bowo to answer. Hendarto was already in the late 40s while Fauzi Bowo was 36. Yet, he had become Hendarto’s aide-de-camp ever since appointed as District Secretary. Hendarto was the first city Secretary out of foreign descent. This had been the case as Singaporeans started flooding Jakarta as overpopulation plagued the island. Jakarta, roughly bigger in size, was still two million behind in population. Also, neighbour Kebayoran had extensively planned a compacted suburbian complex, usurping Jakartans to move there as they were colder and less potent in flood disasters.

“It’s been an hour Sir. Both sides have not agreed on a single thing regarding the corporate regulations,” Fauzi remarked.

Hendarto sighed, Mohamed Rahmat needed those labour supporters to continue the ruling State Republic of Nusantara. Workers thought they were underpaid, undervalued and undernourished. Moreover, farmers had been the worst in this scenario, losing everything towards companies that were industrious in general. The particular clause that troubled the federal government was Clause 57, where the regional government possesses the right to prosecute malicious corporations for exploitation of labour, land and skill. Minister Trihandoko disagreed with this clause, determining that this would jeopardize the state corporations too, granting the regional court too much power by defying the federal command.

This building Hendarto was his since appointment as District Secretary, yet he felt no power as both parties bickered on the negotiation.

“Mr Premier, the current situation of Nusantara was the farmers were lacking money and people to do anything. Food was thinning out, why entice the corporations for money just to root out the necessities of humanity gone?” Mohammed Rahmat sneered the Premier.

“Mr State President, I honour your concerns, but the truth that Indonesia had been steadily accumulating cash for the sake of growth. We have seen the livelihood becoming better. People were hap…”

“How out-of-touch you are Mr Premier; I have seen the farmers by myself. I can assure you, there’s no such thing as betterment.”

Hendarto whispered to Fauzi Bowo, “Since when they have been attacking insultingly?”

“About 10 minutes ago or so,” Fauzi Bowo replied to my ear.

“Gentlemen, I still ascertain that a compromise on this regulation can be determined where the federal government prosecute these corporations if said predicaments occur,” Muhammad Ibrahim Djoyoputro, the Law Minister, interjected the argument.

“No, Ibrahim. I have no faith in the federal government prosecuting them. Hell, even you never charged them on what happened in Riau and Jambi.” Mohammed Rahmat replied harshly.

The State President meant the growing incidents of forest fires occurring in the Eastern basin of Sumatra. It had been life-threatening when smoke filled the air. It had also been the reason for public dissatisfaction in Singapore and parts of Malaya. He had been a Malayan since birth, a common resentment against corporations purposefully burned forests for faster plantation growth always irritated him to the core.

“It was a healthy process, Mr State President. It was uncontrollable because of the weather,” this time the Ministry of Domestic Affairs commented.

“What you mean by healthy? Farmers had been contracting severe lung infection. Your administration clearly does not understand anything!” the State President bellowed in anger.

Frankly, Hendarto could not comprehend how thick the government had been for the past months. Maybe because of the Kismayo Crisis, more cabinet members thought any opposition solely meant for stealing power. The proceedings in the Parliament, much harsher than what’s happening now, may have hardened the cabinet members into cold, self-oriented thugs to idolize the current martyr LKY.

Hendarto understood this because his kampong, Pemangkat, had been a desolated place even with Sarawak being Indonesian. The Dayaks had been focused on their Sultanate wishing for monarch power in the state while Banjars only fight them purely for spite. The Chinese-Indonesians in Borneo were simply neglected with the ruckus of the regional government. LKY only administered the coastal crowded cities. Thus, Hendarto disliked the late Premier for only pursuing the support of two population groups; coastal metropolis and Madagascar. Everywhere in between either presented cheers for the economic growth or deep anger from the stagnating countryside. Economic growth cannot be eternal, while hatred could outlive the soul.

It had been the late premier's problem, the idea when one island country was saved by him can be implemented on an entire nation of thousand islands was wrong by default. Administering 2 million was simple, using the same policies on 176 million people was not possible. All he did was only increase the riches of coastal cities, all of the Federal Districts, later loathed by the same State Republic of Nusantara.

It was heaven-sent that LKY had not triggered another Banjar-Dayak conflict or any systemic racial violence occurring in Indonesia for much of his premiership. Only the fallout of his caused them to spring again like fountains. Musa Hitam, ironically Melayu like Native-Indonesians, received the brunt from LKY’s policy.

Alas, Hendarto can do little to diffuse. He was District Secretary after all. Any points against the federal government only input the idea of hypocrisy on everyone hearing his views. All he can do was wait, and maybe grab a snack to witness the mess of the year.

---

I love this TL!

subbed.

Glad you enjoy it!

[1] Referred to Mo Udall and Stewart Udall
[2] IOTL an actor, currently a representative of New York
[3] Obviously, Clinton here aimed for a musician career instead of an OTL one.
[4] ATL character
[5] Not the Hendarto I've been hinting at for so long. This is Hendarto Sr.

Next up would discuss more on the Conservative party side, where we could dive in on the factions. Also, we would be covering the progress of the meeting.

 

[Rfl23]

Same Problems, No Solution

12th December 1986
2020 Massachusetts Ave NW, Washington DC

Ambassador Ali Alatas had won the trust of the Nasution presidency as a prominent diplomat. He used to substitute as UN Ambassador and other fortunate positions. His descent tied with the Ba’Alwi Sada clan. However, due to Subandrio’s distrust against him, his promotion as Foreign Minister was cancelled in due time. He eventually repositioned into various representatives all across the globe, notable Japan, Germany and Canada. At least for almost a year now, his current stop is the Ambassador of Indonesia for the United States.

A year should definitely fail to comprehend the complexity of American politics, but Ali Alatas understood the mere broad outline of it currently happening. He was called by President Glenn for a simple conversation of goodwill. He accomplished it quite well, the former astronaut expressed great admiration of the archipelago nation of Indonesia, and his ties with the President grew. With help from the daily broadcast on the nation, Ali Alatas was capable to summarize what the public had seen in US politics and what really happened behind the scenes.

The bipartisan chasm can further be divided into several factions each that mainly contributed to the chaos which was the current American party system. Both Democrats and Republicans had their range of the spectrum, each had their own most moderates and most radicals. Unlike in Indonesia, where multi-party ruled, these parties emerged as one in America as factions within a party. Therefore, should two radical candidates had chosen by two parties, the election would have simply become who the lesser evil was to pick. This method, Alatas thought, was the first death symptoms of democracy. Fortunately, the system currently lingered on this delicate balance with moderate candidates.

The incumbent Democratic Party, in essence, had two conflicting bodies pushing to dominate each other in power. Those comprised New Deal Liberals and Progressive Wingers. New Deal Liberals adopted powerful social programs, civil rights, consumer protection and few others which Indonesia considered as blasphemy. This clan ruled the government since the 40s, and few of them constituted as party’s top officials. Notably Senator Ted Kennedy, The Udall Brothers [1] and Edmund Muskie with young followers such as Ed Markey, Paul Tsongas and Martin Sheen [2]. Progressive Wingers were nothing in common with the terminology of ‘progressivism’. Instead, that term was used to reform the Democratic Party which had been too exclusive for the North.

These Progressive Wingers were Southern Democrats which were the bane for the tumultuous period which was the 70s. Well known for pragmatic attitudes and bridging chasm, they were the ‘compromise’ candidates the Democratic Party applied to harness Republican voters at their extinction. Former President Carter as a great example continued the New Deal Liberals but gradually extorted policies that favoured farming and non-college workers, sometimes reinstate old policies which the Republicans used. The term 'Centrism' for Progressive Wingers was more apparent in the Southern States. Endorsements like saxophone artist Bill Clinton[3] and environmentalist politician Al Gore publicised this term showing pro-Southern Carter Democrats were. Without Reagan's popularity and small segregationist remnants, Carter's reign would have been perfect like FDR in the 40s.

This centrist strategy, along with a perfect period which was the 80s, was the reason why 1980 was a landslide without the President’s debate tactics even trying. Ali Alatas, upon looking at the progressive faction, was reminded by early LKY’s premiership. Alas, the Democratic Party resorted back to liberalism under Glenn, who was extremely supportive of Kennedy’s views. Unlike Carter, who was cheered in the South, Glenn was deeply appalling to their preference. Also, his stubbornness of Space Race contributed to few losses of notable party representative fledging to the new Conservative Party. His selection of McNamara was poor too, it practically undid the Southern Democrats approach in one election.

“Mr Ambassador, the CIA had given us reports for the Somalian status. They noted us to not cease hope on salvaging the ship,” Deputy Ambassador Ganjar Kartasaswita [4] reported.

“The ship has been exploded by our own Marines. How’s that supposedly recoverable? You know what, just put the documents there. I will look at it later,” Ali ordered.

Ali looked at the Television which had been on during his hours of cerebration. He noticed on representative Dick Gephardt condemning the upcoming devaluation next year by government officials.

View attachment 661900
The Inferred Television Broadcast​

Dick Gephardt, a Conservative Politician from Missouri, was what Ali Alatas comprehended as one of the Young Four. The Young Four were relatively reformist unlike the creators of the Conservative Party, the Reagan Coalition. The Young Four were modern Conservatives, they had Democratic opinions but they all despised the blue party by one notion; the dangers of economics. The Young Four battled the growing inflation with a tendency of repetitive devaluation and he continued to oppose it along with Joe Biden from Delaware, Dan Quayle from Indiana and Dick Cheney from Wyoming. Uniquely, these men had different subgenres they pursued. Dick Gephardt promised for conservation of marriage, Joe Biden proposed conservation of patriotic curriculum in education, Dan Quayle wished for better law reinforcement and Dick Cheney promoted big military. The youngsters had done extremely well in their States; they just need 1988 to prove their legitimacy for federal power.

“It seemed that the Conservative Party has developed for their ascension,” Ganjar stated. The news implicitly appraised the representative for his pertinent views on the slugging economy. Popularity had struggled for the President for a few months.

“Agree,” was all that I can say. The Conservatives had lost for almost a decade by absolute Democratic control. Either way, this party would have sprung up sooner or later, regardless of who to rally.

---

15th December 1986
Jakarta City Hall, Federal District Capital of Jakarta

View attachment 661901
The Jakarta City Hall or Balaikota, 1986​

Today, District Secretary of the capital Sudomo Hendarto [5] entered his conference room full of members of two crucial bodies. On the one side of the ballroom, members of the State Republic of Indonesia had gathered to battle for the Labour Law. The other side was Musa Hitam with the Federal Cabinet, looking for any alternatives to settle for a compromise.

Although this issue had been going on for quite some time, the 15th of December was the first conference which both parties had agreed on revising the Labour Law. Multiple meetings before had been stagnated within bulletins on what to discuss. At this time, they agreed on settling the demonstrations that had been arriving for days.

“What’s on the table? Secretary?” Hendarto signalled his Secretary Fauzi Bowo to answer. Hendarto was already in the 50s while Fauzi Bowo was 36. Yet, he had become Hendarto’s aide-de-camp ever since appointed as District Secretary. Hendarto was the first city Secretary out of foreign descent. This had been the case as Singaporeans started flooding Jakarta as overpopulation plagued the island. Jakarta, roughly bigger in size, was still two million behind in population. Also, neighbour Kebayoran had extensively planned a compacted suburbian complex, usurping Jakartans to move there as they were colder and less potent in flood disasters.

“It’s been an hour Sir. Both sides have not agreed on a single thing regarding the corporate regulations,” Fauzi remarked.

Hendarto sighed, Mohamed Rahmat needed those labour supporters to continue the ruling State Republic of Nusantara. Workers thought they were underpaid, undervalued and undernourished. Moreover, farmers had been the worst in this scenario, losing everything towards companies that were industrious in general. The particular clause that troubled the federal government was Clause 57, where the regional government possesses the right to prosecute malicious corporations for exploitation of labour, land and skill. Minister Trihandoko disagreed with this clause, determining that this would jeopardize the state corporations too, granting the regional court too much power by defying the federal command.

This building Hendarto was his since appointment as District Secretary, yet he felt no power as both parties bickered on the negotiation.

“Mr Premier, the current situation of Nusantara was the farmers were lacking money and people to do anything. Food was thinning out, why entice the corporations for money just to root out the necessities of humanity gone?” Mohammed Rahmat sneered the Premier.

“Mr State President, I honour your concerns, but the truth that Indonesia had been steadily accumulating cash for the sake of growth. We have seen the livelihood becoming better. People were hap…”

“How out-of-touch you are Mr Premier; I have seen the farmers by myself. I can assure you, there’s no such thing as betterment.”

Hendarto whispered to Fauzi Bowo, “Since when they have been attacking insultingly?”

“About 10 minutes ago or so,” Fauzi Bowo replied to my ear.

“Gentlemen, I still ascertain that a compromise on this regulation can be determined where the federal government prosecute these corporations if said predicaments occur,” Muhammad Ibrahim Djoyoputro, the Law Minister, interjected the argument.

“No, Ibrahim. I have no faith in the federal government prosecuting them. Hell, even you never charged them on what happened in Riau and Jambi.” Mohammed Rahmat replied harshly.

The State President meant the growing incidents of forest fires occurring in the Eastern basin of Sumatra. It had been life-threatening when smoke filled the air. It had also been the reason for public dissatisfaction in Singapore and parts of Malaya. He had been a Malayan since birth, a common resentment against corporations purposefully burned forests for faster plantation growth always irritated him to the core.

“It was a healthy process, Mr State President. It was uncontrollable because of the weather,” this time the Ministry of Domestic Affairs commented.

“What you mean by healthy? Farmers had been contracting severe lung infection. Your administration clearly does not understand anything!” the State President bellowed in anger.

Frankly, Hendarto could not comprehend how thick the government had been for the past months. Maybe because of the Kismayo Crisis, more cabinet members thought any opposition solely meant for stealing power. The proceedings in the Parliament, much harsher than what’s happening now, may have hardened the cabinet members into cold, self-oriented thugs to idolize the current martyr LKY.

Hendarto understood this because his kampong, Pemangkat, had been a desolated place even with Sarawak being Indonesian. The Dayaks had been focused on their Sultanate wishing for monarch power in the state while Banjars only fight them purely for spite. The Chinese-Indonesians in Borneo were simply neglected with the ruckus of the regional government. LKY only administered the coastal crowded cities. Thus, Hendarto disliked the late Premier for only pursuing the support of two population groups; coastal metropolis and Madagascar. Everywhere in between either presented cheers for the economic growth or deep anger from the stagnating countryside. Economic growth cannot be eternal, while hatred could outlive the soul.

It had been the late premier's problem, the idea when one island country was saved by him can be implemented on an entire nation of thousand islands was wrong by default. Administering 2 million was simple, using the same policies on 176 million people was not possible. All he did was only increase the riches of coastal cities, all of the Federal Districts, later loathed by the same State Republic of Nusantara.

It was heaven-sent that LKY had not triggered another Banjar-Dayak conflict or any systemic racial violence occurring in Indonesia for much of his premiership. Only the fallout of his caused them to spring again like fountains. Musa Hitam, ironically Melayu like Native-Indonesians, received the brunt from LKY’s policy.

Alas, Hendarto can do little to diffuse. He was District Secretary after all. Any points against the federal government only input the idea of hypocrisy on everyone hearing his views. All he can do was wait, and maybe grab a snack to witness the mess of the year.

---

Glad you enjoy it!

[1] Referred to Mo Udall and Stewart Udall
[2] IOTL an actor, currently a representative of New York
[3] Obviously, Clinton here aimed for a musician career instead of an OTL one.
[4] ATL character
[5] Not the Hendarto I've been hinting at for so long. This is Hendarto Sr.

Next up would discuss more on the Conservative party side, where we could dive in on the factions. Also, we would be covering the progress of the meeting.

Well with the young four doing quite well in their state im just guessing that the 90s gonna be quitr eventfull in the us (and no clinton either so this is gonna be interesting) oh yeah btw speaking of 1986 did the maxi trial still happened?

 

[Derff]

Didn't expect that the Singaporeans would come to Jakarta, i was expecting the other way around

 

[SkylineDreamer]

Didn't expect that the Singaporeans would come to Jakarta, i was expecting the other way around

Jakarta was still relatively empty by the sheer amount of mid-rise housing with Kebayoran becoming the hotspots for most migrants. Batu Ceper, Pasar Baru and Taman Sari had transformed into a Harlem-esque neighbourhood of concrete jungles with mixed-use structures on the main road. Despite the low cost, public connectivity in Jakarta is concentrated on the commercial-office side, not the industrial side. As a result, coming migrants who work at factories refuse to live there and prefer near Kapuk or Pulogadung (where current Jakarta factories are). I need to remind you that these regions (Kapuk and Pulogadung), were in the Federal District outskirts thus population of Jakarta will be counted smaller than predicted if borders are accounted for.

The city then resulted in demand for bureaucrats, clerks and most importantly, artisans there. With Singapore becoming too big to handle, some people decided to go there for opportunities. Of course, Indonesians who entered the middle class as business's workmen may appeal to live in central Jakarta. However, since most newcomers are low-class non-educated labourers and craftsmen, much of the population will be concentrated close to industrial regions.

Besides, the 'capital city attraction' is still apparent to Indonesians, even OTL.

 

[SkylineDreamer]

Well with the young four doing quite well in their state im just guessing that the 90s gonna be quitr eventfull in the us (and no clinton either so this is gonna be interesting) oh yeah btw speaking of 1986 did the maxi trial still happened?

I think it would happen also ITTL.

The details of that, though, is quite uncertain how. I assume bribes would be more aggressive and trials less potent due to less stable Western Europe, therefore, less stable Italy.