Indonesia's wobbly democracy is being sorely tested as the government attempts to bring former President Suharto and his children to justice. At the same time, it must cope with escalating violence both in the capital of Jakarta and in the provinces. Ominously, the two problems appear to overlap: President Abdurrahman Wahid has accused the former president's youngest son, Mr. Hutomo "Tommy" Mandala Putra, of being behind a recent series of bombings in the capital. The young Suharto may be connected to the violence, but the charge is as yet unsubstantiated. It will be difficult, and it is likely to be unsatisfying, but Indonesia must now be scrupulous about its adherence to the rule of law.
Mr. Suharto, 79 and ailing, was being tried for allegedly embezzling $550 million from charities he controlled during his three decades in power. Most Indonesians, including Mr. Wahid, believe that sum is a tiny fraction of what the former president and his six children stole.
Last week, an independent medical panel derailed the prosecution when it concluded that Mr. Suharto had suffered extensive brain damage from a series of strokes and was unable to defend himself. The court ordered the trial suspended and all restrictions on the former president lifted. That decision sparked riots in the streets of Jakarta from activists who continue to demand an accounting from the former president.