January 16

Supermarket burnt down by crowds after IMF deal

A thee-storey supermarket in the town of Jember in east Java is burnt down by crowds protesting against increased food prices, a day after the IMF and the Indonesian government agree on a new reform package to restore economic confidence.

February 9

Protests move to capital

Around 100 protesters are detained by the Indonesian authorities after they demonstrated against government corruption and price rises in the capital, Jakarta.

March 11

Suharto's vain appeal

President Suharto begins his seventh term of office, 'elected' by his appointees, with a fruitless appeal for national unity to deal with the growing economic crisis and political crisis. Students step up their campaign.

May 5

Riots in Medan follow price hikes

The city of Medan becomes the centre of national resentment at sharp rises in fuel prices.

May 11

Muslim leader calls for Suharto to go

The leader of one of the largest Muslim organisations in Indonesia, Amien Rais, announces plans to assemble a group of political, ethnic and religious leaders to bring down the government.

May 12

Riots spread through Jakarta after 6 students killed

Biggest demonstrations in the capital turn ugly as six students are shot dead by the security forces.

May 14

'Total anarchy' in Jakarta

President Suharto returns home from a foreign trip to find his capital in flames. Death toll tops 100.

May 21

Suharto resigns

President Suharto bows to the inevitable and announces his resignation. His Vice-President, B.J. Habibie, was immediately sworn in as the new president.

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