Today could be one of the most important days in the modern history of Indonesia.Cities throughout the country will see massive anti-korupsi demonstrations which have been largely provoked by the excesses of the political and business elite in league with the military and police i.e. the remnants of Suharto's New Order.
It's not just the big cases which have stirred up the masses - the attempts to emasculate the Corruption Eradication Commission and, still ongoing, the bailout of Bank Century.
The public have sided with victimised rakyat, the 'little' people - the grandmother who 'stole three cacao pods, the two farmers accused of stealing one watermelon ... and the list goes on.
Regarding the Prita case, the it's encouraging that all sectors of society are donating to the appeal for coins launched on her behalf.. The Post reported yesterday today that scavengers have banded together to contribute from their minimal incomes, and today that the Regional Representatives Council (DPD) has collected Rp.70 million.
I am encouraged, excited even, that the public, with the support of the media and using the tools of the internet is stirring and demonstrating for an equitable and fair society.
Reformasi is, at last, taking hold. Rather than the sham of the electoral process, this is what I understand to be true democracy.
