Page 117 - BUKU A CENTURY OF PARLIAMENTARY LIFE IN INDONESIA

A CENTURY OF PARLIAMENTARY LIFE
IN INDONESIA

PNI’s political stance showed that the coalition of
the two parties was very fluid. The Masyumi-PNI
coalition only lasted for two cabinet terms: the
After all, Indonesia’s Sukiman cabinet and the Wilopo cabinet. Dur-
location in Southeast ing the Ali Sastroamidjojo cabinet (1953–1955),
Masyumi even appeared as an opposition for the
Asia had strategic first time during the Liberal Democracy period.

advantages, with One of the most important things that stood out

abundant natural during the Sukiman cabinet was Indonesia’s for-
resources. Southeast eign policy stance. Previously, Indonesia’s foreign
policy was meant to be free and active. With this
Asia, particularly political attitude, Indonesia could have the free-

Indonesia, made for a dom to play a role in international politics without
having to side with a bloc during the Cold War.
great industrial market

for Western countries. Although Indonesia had expressed its impartial
stance during the Cold War, the United States
had its eye on Indonesia. After all, Indonesia’s
location in Southeast Asia had strategic advan-
tages, with abundant natural resources. South-
east Asia, particularly Indonesia, made for a great
industrial market for Western countries.

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