se rankings. China, too, ranks high, because of its past cultural influence on Japan. However, countries like Cambodia, Vietnam, and Indonesia rank low. The Japanese do not care about the trials and tribulations of these last, especially their lack of concern for human rights. The Japanese public is not involved in the issues, and its government "adopts a pro-business policy with little internal opposition." (Arase, p. 96-7)The demise of Suharto has created opportunity and peril for Indonesia. Opportunity because an old, non-democratic regime is history and a new history and a new democratic process exists. Perils because the country could split without a strong center or another non-democrat could take power. Democracy is best fostered by and coexistent with economic growth, a market economy, and the rule of law. Indonesia since World War II has made one failed step towards democracy shortly after the war and is again trying after the 1998 fall of Suharto. Compared to the past regimes, the current regime is more hospitable to the conditions needed for democracy. The United States remains a leader in action and as a model. Asian nations like India, Taiwan, and the Philippines continue to take steps down the democratic road. Japan, too often unsupportive, no longer carries the weight it did. In the last 15 years, with fits and starts, democracy has visited and even stayed in places it seemingly had little chance in. Indonesias turn may not be next, but the view here is that it is in line, and its chance to finally take its turn are, in the words of Devi Fortuna Anwar, a former advisor to former President Habibie, "Better than even." APPENDIX TABLE 1ASSESSEDINCOME EUROPEANS INDONESIANS CHINESE/OTHERSBelow 200 guilders 1,0001,434,077 29,700200-900 guiders10,375 562,155161,691900-250025,701 28,932 34,7612500-500024,643 5,940 9,4915000-1000017,226 1,034 2,84210000-20000 4,622 189 72420000-40000 831 ...
