In July 2001, in Indonesia, a president made his exit from the stage. On that day we didn't know if it was an unfinished play. There were no crowds of thousands running amok, no provinces declaring their independence in protest, no severed history. But also, Gus Dur was dismissed as head of state, and we can't say that what took place was just an entertaining performance in the lifestory of a nation. Politics in Indonesia always bears great th