ROOM 268 in Lagoon Tower, Hilton Hotel, was a real mess. Chairs were scattered all over the place. Biscuit tins were left open here and there on the long table.

"Sorry for the mess. We had a meeting through late hours," said Burhanuddin Napitupulu, a Golkar Party executive staying in the room. Though already in a suit and tie, Burhanuddin had red eyes and looked fatigued. Now and again he talked to people next door through the