    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: WILLIAM J. CLINTON (1999, Book II)]
    [October 20, 1999]
    [Page 1838]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Statement on the Election of Abdurrahman Wahid as President of Indonesia
    October 20, 1999

        I congratulate Abdurrahman Wahid on his election as President of
    Indonesia. He and the people of Indonesia deserve enormous credit for
    the democratic process that led to this peaceful change in government.
    This election, conducted fairly and transparently, has been a true
    triumph of democracy.
        Indonesia still faces many challenges: achieving national
    reconciliation, consolidating economic recovery, and building
    institutions accountable to its people. With a democratically elected
    leadership, I am optimistic that real progress will be made toward all
    these goals.
        I look forward to working closely with the new President and his
    government.