Wahid faces crucial test

Separatist violence plagues many regions of Indonesia

The Indonesian president, Abdurrahman Wahid, is appearing before his country's highest representative assembly on Monday to give an account of his first 10 months in office.

Mr Wahid, who has been facing growing criticism in parliament, will make a report to the 700 members of the People's Consultative Assembly (MPR).

They will give their response on Tuesday.

The BBC correspondent in Jakarta says the assembly's assessment marks a critical moment for President Wahid - there were high expectations of political and economic reform when his government took office, but little seems to have been achieved.

As well as hearing Mr Wahid's report, the assembly is due to consider wide-ranging constitutional amendments - including direct presidential elections.

Plummeting popularity

Mr Wahid's election last October was greeted with euphoria in a country which had suffered more than 30 years of autocratic rule under former President Suharto.

Wahid has failed to revive the economy

But the new government is already in deep trouble after being hit by a series of crises which could even lead to President Wahid being removed from office.

Mr Wahid will be making a state of the nation address before the MPR, which is made up of all members of parliament, representatives from the security forces, the regions and non-governmental organisations.

Although it is the MPR which elected him last year, many members have now turned against him.

They accuse him of everything from incompetence to lack of consistency, corruption and nepotism.

Mr Wahid's popularity and credibility have plummeted dramatically since his election last October.

Expectations

Very high expectations of political and economic reform were placed on his government, but so far little has been achieved, particularly in the area of economic recovery following the collapse of 1997.

There are also continuing fears about the disintegration of the nation, as separatist movements in several provinces fight for their freedom.

On top of this there has been a massive upsurge in religious violence as Christians and Muslims have fought each other in the Moluccan islands and Suluwesi.

But despite the chaos, threats to impeach President Wahid during this MPR session seem to have receded.

Instead, he is likely to be given a final warning to improve his government's performance within the next few months or face dismissal then.