Protests Erupt Across Indonesia Against Changes to Electoral Regulations
Indonesian lawmakers have scrapped plans to ratify controversial election law revisions after facing massive protests nationwide. The planned changes, seen as bolstering outgoing President Joko Widodo’s political influence, sparked outrage on the streets and online. In Jakarta, demonstrators stormed the gates of parliament, forcing legislators to cancel the ratification due to a lack of quorum.
Protests erupted after the Indonesian Constitutional Court ruled against an age restriction for governorships, which would have barred Widodo’s 29-year-old son, Kaesang Pangarep, from running in Central Java. Parliament then rushed to amend the law, raising concerns about dynastic politics and democracy. While Widodo’s eldest son, Gibran Rakabuming Raka, is set to become vice president following a court ruling, critics condemned the perceived influence of Widodo’s family over Indonesia’s political landscape.
Nationwide protests in cities like Yogyakarta, Surabaya, and Makassar attracted thousands of activists, students, and workers. Demonstrators demanded parliament respect the court’s ruling and denounced what they described as attempts to dismantle democracy. Indonesian police responded with tear gas and water cannons to disperse crowds, especially in Jakarta and Semarang.
Analysts are calling this a constitutional crisis, with political maneuvering overshadowing democratic checks and balances. Widodo, known as Jokowi, downplayed the situation, describing it as a routine process of democracy. However, the unrest reflects a growing frustration with political dynasties and a desire to protect Indonesia’s democratic institutions. It remains unclear if parliament will reconvene to attempt passing the bill again before the registration for regional elections opens next week.Protests Erupt Across Indonesia Against Changes to Electoral Regulations
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