Indonesia: the key to South-East Asia's security

Indonesia has played a vital role in the security of South-East Asia for mo re than 30 years, both through its prominent position in ASEAN and the ARF and through the stability and longevity of the Suharto regime. The central theme of this article emphasizes that peace and stability in Indonesia are the key to peace and stability in the South-East Asian region. However, ins tability within ASEAN countries themselves and the risk of serious upheaval in Indonesia have the potential to infect other parts of South-East Asia. The author assesses Indonesia's role in shaping regional security and the c ountry's prospects for a successful democratic future in which the West has a strong interest in encouraging the more moderate Indonesian Islamic elem ents to build enduring and democratic political institutions.