Jakarta – A majority of Indonesians, fed up with what they see as ineffective government, prefer the autocracy of former President Suharto to the democratic rule of current leader Megawati Sukarnoputri, a survey showed.
The nationwide survey of 1,976 people by the private Indonesian Survey Institute showed respondents were disappointed with how the country was being run during the country's messy transition to democracy.
Suharto ruled with an iron fist for 32 years until his downfall in 1998 amid chaos. He presided over rapid economic growth but human rights abuses and corruption flourished.
Critics also say his willingness to crush dissent and conflict in the multi-ethnic country produced only a superficial sense of calm and allowed tensions to fester.
When asked if the current system of government or Suharto's time in office, known as the New Order, was better, 56.4 per cent of respondents chose the former army general, according to the survey, obtained by Reuters yesterday. Only 25.9 per cent voted for the current system.
"This data is really startling. Reforms have only been going on for several years. But disappointment at the results of reforms have made the majority of respondents nostalgic for the New Order," the institute said. The survey was conducted in August.
Suharto's fall from power prompted hopes of democratic reforms, an end to corruption and human rights abuses and also a quick recovery from the Asian financial crisis that had helped trigger his downfall. But Indonesia has struggled to regain its footing.
When asked what was the biggest problem facing Indonesia, 65.4 per cent of respondents said the economy. Only 7.6 per cent believed security was the biggest problem.
Indonesians will elect their president directly for the first time next year. While Ms Megawati is the strongest candidate, 29 per cent of respondents said Golkar, Suharto's former political vehicle and now the second biggest in Parliament, was best equipped to solve the country's woes compared to 19 per cent for her party.