Kuala Lampur, Aug. 31 -- When Indonesians take to the streets, the world must not dismiss these uprisings as parochial outbursts.

They are part of a recurring global pattern in which economic deprivations become political earthquakes. Whenever the cost of living overwhelms daily survival, societies snap; especially when elected representatives of Indonesia chose to increase their living allowances to a maximum of US$6,000, while their salaries were at US$9,500 respectively.

History reminds us that once households are unable to secure bread, shelter, or dignity, they no longer remain silent.

Consider five historical episodes. In 1981, English towns like Brixton erupted when unemployment soared - above 40 per cent in some areas and beyon...