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Indonesia, the world's fourth most populous nation and the one with by far the largest Muslim population, is critical to progress in Southeast Asia. Yet it faces more than its share of major problems: a messy political transition which has seen three presidents in as many years, a fragile democratic system, continuing economic weakness since the 1997 Asian financial crisis, separatist revolts and religious/ethnic violence in several areas, and now the largest Muslim terrorist attack since September 11. Indonesia's success as a Muslim-majority democracy may hold positive lessons for other Muslim nations. Its failure would be a major setback for U.S. interests and Southeast Asia's future.

Ambassador Masters has held senior posts as a diplomat, businessman and nonprofit sector executive in a career devoted to advancing U.S. national interests. He has lived and worked in Asia for 20 years, including eight in Indonesia, five in Thailand, plus Singapore, India, Pakistan and Bangladesh. His previous positions have included US Ambassador to Indonesia and Bangladesh; Director of the State Department Office of East Asian Regional Affairs; Adjunct Professor at the School of Advanced International Studies, Johns Hopkins University and the Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy, Tufts University. In 1994 he formed The United States-Indonesia Society, a nonprofit organization dedicated to increasing understanding of Indonesia. He holds a B.A. degree with distinction from George Washington University and an M.A. from the Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy. He is also a graduate of the National War College and has been decorated by the government of Indonesia for his contributions to U.S.–Indonesian relations.