The unrest in Indonesia is more than a burst of local anger – it is a flare across Asia’s wavering democracies. In capitals from Jakarta to Manila, Bangkok to New Delhi, the hope that democracy would bring quality governance, accountable leaders, and development is slipping rapidly out of reach.

The protests have toned down for now, but the chants from Indonesia’s streets will continue to echo across the region: anger at corruption, frustration with inequality, and distrust of a political class seen as self-serving and unscrupulous.

Indonesia’s journey after the fall of Suharto in 1998 inspired the world – a model for how democracy could take root in a region where strongmen had held sway for decades. Today, it faces a disillusioned populace who took to the streets after lawmakers raised their benefits by 50 million rupiah (US$3,000) per month at a time when much of the country survives hand to mouth.

Indonesia is not alone in such political chauvinism: Thailand’s trio of monarchy, military and traditional parties has pushed out another elected prime minister; the Philippines is jolted as the president and supporters of the past president duel openly; Malaysia still reels from a corruption scandal that jailed a former prime minister; while the Myanmar junta continues to keep 80-year-old Aung San Suu Kyi behind bars.

Organic protests have erupted in all these countries in recent months. The fact that........

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