But circumstances can take unexpected turns. The Aug 28 riots cannot be understood only as a spontaneous incident. Two short-term factors were the direct triggers: parliamentarians’ high allowances that offended the public’s sense of economic justice and the death of an online motorcycle taxi driver who was hit by a police vehicle during the violence in Jakarta. However, there were structural factors at play also: Economic grievances, the legislature’s crisis of legitimacy and a perceived culture of impunity among the politically powerful.
When the poet Robert Browning wrote “A man’s reach should exceed his grasp”, he meant that the purpose of a meaningful life is to strive for ultimate goals that lie beyond current abilities. However, if the poet’s words are applied to public life, there is a danger that the lure of reach exceeding grasp could translate into overambition. Browning’s enigmatic words may be applicable to President Prabowo Subianto one day as he seeks to reposition Indonesia by giving it a new regional reach that requires an expanded national grasp. That raises questions on both domestic and foreign fronts.
The reason for Prabowo’s overreach is rooted in his personality. He was born into a high-achieving family, which inculcated in him the values of the Indic ksatria, or warrior, caste. His experience of growing up overseas, however, included encounters with racism and discrimination. Combining his family’s expectations and his personal tribulations likely created his self-perception as a charismatic, tough leader who is uniquely qualified, if not destined, to lead Indonesia — but also a canny leader who needs to be a “chameleon” adept at tailoring his behaviour to conform to changing circumstances.
