Protests In Indonesia Over Controversial Election Law Changes

Protesters protest against controversial changes to election laws that could further enhance the political influence of outgoing President Joko Widodo, in Jakarta, Indonesia, Thursday, Aug. 22, 2024.

Thousands of protesters in Indonesia attempted to storm the parliament building in Jakarta on Thursday, leading to a delay in a crucial vote on election law amendments. The proposed changes could potentially increase the political influence of outgoing President Joko Widodo.

The protesters tore down a section of the parliament's fence, hurled stones at police officers, and set fires, causing chaos in the capital city. The parliament had convened for an emergency session to address a decision by the Constitutional Court regarding election procedures.

One of the key issues at hand was the court's dismissal of a challenge to an age limit that bars individuals under 30 from running for regional governorships. This ruling would prevent Widodo's youngest son, Kaesang Pangarep, who is 29 years old, from participating in a regional contest in Central Java.

Additionally, the court made it easier for political parties to nominate candidates by reducing the requirement of holding 20% of a local legislature. In response, the parliament swiftly passed an emergency motion to raise the minimum age for governors to 30 at the time of inauguration and ease nomination requirements.

Chaos ensues as protesters clash with police and set fires in the capital city.

Protesters storm parliament in Jakarta over proposed election law changes.

Constitutional Court decision on age limit for regional governorships sparks controversy.

Parliament passes emergency motion to raise minimum age for governors to 30.

The proposed changes sparked outrage on social media and raised concerns about a potential constitutional crisis. The situation escalated further when the parliament failed to achieve a quorum, leading to a delay in the ratification of the vote.

Protests spread to other major cities in Indonesia, including Bandung, Yogyakarta, Surabaya, and Makassar. In Yogyakarta, around 1,000 protesters gathered in front of various government buildings, demanding the rejection of the regional election bill, respect for the Constitutional Court's decision, and an end to political dynasties.

Political analysts noted that the protests reflected public anger at the parliament's attempts to override the court's ruling and enable more candidates to compete in regional elections. The demonstrators also expressed opposition to what they perceived as dynastic politics associated with President Joko Widodo.