Indonesia, looking increasingly rudderless since the downfall of President Suharto six months ago, appealed yesterday for calm after its capital was hit by more savage violence at the weekend.
At least 13 people were killed in Jakarta on Sunday after Javanese Muslims and Christians from the island of Ambon clashed in a frightening reminder of how fragile the social cohesion has become in this hugely diverse country.
President B.J. Habibie echoed the calls for calm of two of the country's opposition figures, who warned that the unrest was being instigated.
During the 32-year iron rule of Gen Suharto, the differences in a country of hundreds of different ethnic groups and languages had largely been kept under control.
Since he was forced from office six months ago amid a mounting social and economic crisis, no strong leader has emerged and Mr Habibie's hold on power is tenuous. Some fear a process of Balkanisation could take hold especially as the military has lost much of its influence, as its public image has been battered by repeated revelations of human rights abuses.
Violence and looting has been on the rise especially in urban areas, among the hardest hit by Indonesia's worst economic depression in 30 years.
The unrest has been accompanied by loud student protests demanding more political reforms.
The government promised yesterday to up a commission to inquire into Gen Suharto's wealth and warned he could be put under house arrest if he fails to co-operate.
Gen Suharto and his family are estimated to have amassed $40 billion during his rule.
Sunday's clashes in the capital's Chinatown were the latest in two weeks of violence which has turned parts of Jakarta into a battle zone and left at least 30 dead, scores injured and several buildings in ruins.
Analysts say the unrest is being instigated by one or more of the country's elite groups, jockeying for power in the vacuum left by the downfall of Gen Suharto.