ABSTRACT
The fiercely nationalistic tone which characterised President Suharto’s decision of 25 March 1992, to terminate Dutch-Indonesian aid relationships contained echoes of the defiant ‘Go to hell with your aid’ with which Sukamo, the flamboyant first President of the Indone sian Republic, broke off relationships with the capitalistic Western world in 1963. However, Sukamo’s definition of his position in 1963 was highly emotional and impulsive, while Suharto’s 1992 strategy was well-considered and well-timed. Sukamo’s nationalistic course contributed to his downfall in 1965. In contrast, Suharto’s tug-of-war with the former colonial ruler of Indonesia Consolidated both his national and his international position.
