Of all the western economists with a research interest in Indonesia, Bruce Glassburner has had arguably the longest and most sustained commitment. As he remarks in this invied contribution, his first visit in 1957 marked the beginnings of over three decades of research, teaching and consulting work in the country, spanning the difficult years before 1966 and 25 years of the New Order. Owing to this breadth of experience, he is in an unrivalled position to comment authoritatively on development over this period (Ed.).