From triumphant crowds celebrating their victory to desolate scenes of destruction, powerful photographs can capture hearts and influence public opinion, for better or worse.

Throughout The Jakarta Post’s 40-year history, the English-language daily has chronicled Indonesia’s journey as the world’s third-largest democracy, and our photographers have in turn captured moments that defined the nation’s zeitgeist.

Snapshots of a packed rally, teeming with impassioned supporters, are as evocative of the Indonesian spirit as the image of a lone woman on a sidewalk, bravely standing her ground against a horde of motorcyclists trying to encroach on pedestrian space to avoid traffic congestion.

To understand where we are headed, we need to reflect on where we came from. Through the images in this book, we hope our readers can contemplate the past and draw lessons for the future, as Indonesia enters the next chapter of its democratic journey.