Indonesian Parliament Halts Election Law Changes Amid Public Outcry

Friday 23 August 2024 - 09:20

In a dramatic turn of events, Indonesian legislators have abandoned plans to revise election laws following widespread protests across the nation. The proposed changes, which would have altered candidate age requirements for upcoming regional polls, sparked controversy and led to thousands of demonstrators gathering outside the parliament building in Jakarta.

Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Sufmi Dasco Ahmad, announced the decision to cancel the revision, stating, "It was officially decided that the revision of the Regional Election Law could not proceed. This means that the revision today was canceled."

The proposed amendments were seen by many as an attempt to circumvent a recent Constitutional Court ruling that had rendered President Joko Widodo's youngest son, 29-year-old Kaesang Pangarep, ineligible for the upcoming regional elections in Central Java. Critics argued that the changes were aimed at consolidating political power within the president's family.

As tensions escalated, protesters in Jakarta lit tires, set off firecrackers, and chanted slogans against President Widodo, popularly known as Jokowi. The situation intensified when some demonstrators tore down a section of fence and threw rocks at police, prompting law enforcement to respond with tear gas and water cannons.

Muhammad Saleh Zakaria, a 64-year-old protester, expressed his concerns to AFP, saying, "I came here because my country is on the verge of destruction. These lawmakers have scammed the people."

The unrest was not limited to the capital; similar protests were reported in other major cities, including Yogyakarta, Makassar, Bandung, and Semarang.

In response to the growing discord, President Widodo's office attempted to calm the situation. Spokesman Hasan Nasbi addressed reporters, stating, "The government hopes that there will be no disinformation or slander that could trigger chaos and violence."

The controversy surrounding the proposed changes comes in the wake of recent political developments that have raised concerns about nepotism and the concentration of power. Earlier this year, Widodo's eldest son, Gibran Rakabuming Raka, 36, was elected as Indonesia's youngest vice president, fueling accusations of favoritism.

Ika Idris, a Jakarta-based political expert at Monash University's data and democracy research hub, offered insight into the public's reaction: "The people are angry at the ongoing manipulation of our democratic system. It happened repeatedly and fast. There is a clear desire to extend power."

As President Widodo prepares to step down after serving the maximum two five-year terms, the canceled revision marks a significant moment in Indonesian politics. The public's swift and forceful response to perceived threats to democratic processes underscores the challenges facing the nation as it navigates its political future.