Art and Social Justice: The Role of Street Art in Communicating Protest and Promoting Change in Indonesia

Abstract

Street art in Indonesia has emerged as a dynamic form of public protest and a tool for promoting social change. This paper examines the role of street art in Indonesia’s political and social landscape, particularly in urban areas such as Jakarta and Yogyakarta. Focusing on the works of graffiti artists, muralists, and other forms of urban art, the study explores how street art addresses pressing social issues, including corruption, poverty, inequality, and political repression. The paper also looks at how street art functions as a vehicle for community engagement, offering marginalized groups a platform for self-expression and resistance. By considering the legal and social ramifications of public art, the paper argues that street art has become an important tool for social justice movements, creating dialogue between the public and the government while challenging the status quo.