212 is a popular number among Indonesians and is associated with the legendary fictional warrior Wiro Sableng, a character created by the late Bastian Tito in the 1970s.

Wiro Sableng was born Wira Saksana, before his parents were killed by a rival named Suranyali. As his house burned to the ground, the little Wira Saksana was saved by a woman named Sinto Gendeng who then became his teacher. When Wira Saksana grew up, he changed his name to Wiro Sableng to honor his teacher. Sableng is Javanese for the concept of being wildly crazy.

Maybe it was a coincidence or was just the right moment as we came to Dec. 2. When using the term “212” to refer to Friday’s rally, most Indonesians remember Wiro Sableng.

For most participants, the rally was the realization of their anger about recent political waves that involved accusations of blasphemy against incumbent Jakarta Governor Basuki “Ahok” Tjahaja Purnama. And for the rest of the participants, it was an expression of their disappointment toward the administration.

Debate about the legitimacy of the recent rallies has been ongoing for over a month. The government, on one hand, has a duty outlined in the constitutional to protect people’s right to express their demands. On the other hand, the government must uphold the law and the sovereignty of the state from all threats, domestic or foreign.

As we look to the 212 warrior for inspiration, we are reminded of the fighting spirit he upheld, to defend the rights of the weak and the poor with his wildly crazy acts. This photographic series aims to tell a story about a dynamic movement in the long history of Indonesian people.

Hopefully, people will remember it as part of the struggle for freedom and national unity, and not end up in a rebellion against the democracy of Indonesia.

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