distrust

They also shared a distrust of authority and collaborated to curb law enforcement’s ability to seize individuals’ assets without a trial.

"Coupled with the fact there are outstanding issues around staff travel arrangements, an atmosphere of distrust has been created, where our members feel like no-one is listening to them."

Such incidents have resurfaced the Indonesian public’s festering distrust of the police force, said Jacqui Baker, a scholar of Indonesian security and policing at Murdoch University in Perth, Australia.

"The media's continued attempts to fabricate conflicts of interest are irresponsible and reinforce the public's distrust in what they read," Ms Leavitt said in a statement.

It all adds up to a slight shift in mood around the possibility and willingness for a reconciliation, despite the recent history of rancour and distrust.