Indonesia first held democratic elections in 1999, under the leadership of then president B.J. Habibie. The elections were a watershed moment in the country’s history, finally ushering in a democratically elected government after more than four decades of authoritarian rule.
The transition to democracy was not without its challenges, however. In the lead-up to the elections, there was significant violence and unrest, as rival factions battled for control of the country. The elections themselves were also marred by allegations …