This book brings together a collection of presentations and the respective question and answer sessions derived from the Sixth Asian-European Editors’ Forum, which was held from 28 to 31 August 2005 in Jakarta, and organized by the Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung in co-operation with the Jakarta Post.

The first three contributions give first-hand accounts by leading Indonesian policymakers. President Yudhoyono hence takes stock of his first ten months in office and some of the key policy issues ahead. Dr. Mulyani Indrawati, his then Minister of State for National Development Planning, covers policy issues crucial for the Indonesian economy. The Head of the Aceh and Nias Rehabilitation and Reconstruction Agency, Dr. Kuntoro Mangkusubroto, provides an insight into his experience with reconstructing the tsunami-ravaged areas.

Seasoned advisers, analysts, academics, and activists added their insights into issues relating to international politics, terrorism, and Islam. Hence Jusuf Wanandi, co-founder of the Centre for Strategic and International Studies, discusses emerging challenges for the East Asian region. Dr. Bahtiar Effendy reflects on the congeniality of Islam and civic society in Indonesia, while Zainah Anwar from Malaysia’s ‘Sisters in Islam’ gives a first-hand account of her organization’s struggle for more women’s rights within Islam. The strained media coverage of Islam was the topic of Stephen Schwartz’s presentation, whereas Sidney Jones of the International Crisis Group provides an informed insight into recent trends in terrorism in Indonesia and Southeast Asia.