Hi Proud to be Indonesian

I'm in total agreement with what you've written.

With all Prabowo Subianto's family Christian connections it would seem he is a "crypto" (that is secret) Christian. He appears to use Islam as a form of political power projection.

His plans in 1998 to transport thugs into Jakarta to spread mayhem would have then been followed by him sending Kostrad and Kopassus troops into Jakarta to "restore order" - hence a coup. Similar to tactics intended for Dili in 1999.

Jokowi (especially if he had a firm deal with TNI) would get my vote. Concerns have probably been long term that Prabowo Subianto might be a coup threat if he didn't succeed politically. If Prabowo Subianto loses next month's election hopefully Jokowi can organise enough commercial incentives for Prabowo Subianto to keep Prabowo happy.

On the military - yes it is a personal obsession and way of seeing the world. Australia's military is too big for its small part of the region and too small to face genuine threats which might be China and may one day include India. Our military has the force structure to mainly back US ventures (Iraq, Afghanistan, Islamists in Africa next?).

As a ridiculous situation Australian and Indonesian Admirals both vainly hope that each of their navies can have 12 new submarines. Australian Admirals will say "well Indonesia plans 12" and visa versa. Its a racket too expensive for both our countries.

Regards

Pete
see http://gentleseas.blogspot.com.au/2009/08/where-have-indonesian-kilo-submarines.html