The attack sparked wider violence, with thousands of people taking to the streets. That in turn provoked a response from the armed forces, which many in Indonesia and abroad think was an overreaction. It was during this second stage of the confrontation that the depth of discontent began to show. Such a remark demands the attention of Mr. Suharto. Despite Indonesia's strong growth rates, economic advancement has been uneven.
Unemployment is a serious problem that is getting worse.
Young people may be losing out disproportionately. Of some 2.3 million workers entering the job market each year, only 300,000 are able to find full-time employment. While those with jobs may be a good deal better off than they were five or ten years ago, the gap between them and the have-nots grows ever wider. Indeed, the very successes that have reduced poverty so dramatically are feeding the discontent of those left behind. While this is a common problem in rapidly developing countries, it is important for the sake of stability that the relevant authorities prevent it from getting out of hand.