Abstract
Left with the colonial heritage of a lopsided economy, a lack of trained personnel in practically every field, Indonesia, even though rich in natural resources, was born poor. Because it needs peace and tranquility to stabilize its economy and its government, Indonesia is pursuing an independent for eign policy free of alignment with either Western or Communist bloc, but not without international responsibility. Even though it prefers to remain "uncommitted" the true principle of de mocracy is very much alive in Indonesia, having been practiced for centuries in the villages. This principle, allowing all voices to be heard, is now being applied on the national level in the concept of the oft-misunderstood guided democracy of the In donesian government, with a cabinet, responsible to a parlia ment based on general free elections and assisted by an advisory council composed of representatives of all walks of life. Striv ing for peace and given time to correct past mistakes, Indonesia has faith in its ability to achieve and maintain a strong govern ment.
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