Posted in: Politics

Ibu Ana, a housewife in Jakarta, caught the national mood when she was photographed in the rain in thongs and a pink headscarf, facing down a cordon of heavily armed police officers with the Indonesian flag on a bamboo pole. Who are these protestors? How did they mobilise so fast? What do they want and how will they achieve it?

So, what do these protests say about current attitudes towards politicians, their work and their lifestyles in Indonesia? Following on from the recent One Piece flag phenomenon, the critiques that have unfolded reflect much deeper issues regarding Indonesians perceptions of politicians. Not only are they seen as out of touch with the concerns of everyday people but also the decisions they make about government spending are made without transparency and accountability.

While corruption trials have virtually become a national pastime in Indonesia, where the public sector is widely perceived to be profoundly corrupt, the case against Lembong has attracted public attention for a different reason. Critics have highlighted the irregularities in his prosecution, fuelling speculation that the charges levelled against him were politically motivated.