Protesters in Indonesia have taken to the streets in a show of defiance against their government’s attempts to reverse a constitutional court ruling that would have opened up elections to smaller parties. Thousands of demonstrators have gathered outside parliament in Jakarta, as well as in other major cities across the country.
The constitutional court had recently ruled that parties would no longer need a minimum 20% representation in regional assemblies to field a candidate. However, within 24 hours, parliament introduced an emergency motion to reverse these changes, sparking widespread condemnation and fears of a constitutional crisis.
The fast-tracked legislation, expected to pass later on Thursday, would maintain the status quo that favors parties in the ruling coalition, potentially leading to uncontested local elections. This move would also prevent a major government critic, Anies Baswedan, from running for the influential post of Jakarta governor.
Observers warn that the power struggle between parliament and the constitutional court could lead to a political crisis in Indonesia. Despite the controversy, President Joko Widodo has defended the amendments as part of the government’s checks and balances.
Protesters like Joko Anwar feel that the government is trying to cling to power at the expense of the people’s rights. Social media has been abuzz with blue posters warning of an “Emergency Warning” above Indonesia’s national eagle, symbolizing the growing unrest.
Elections analyst Titi Anggraini has called parliament’s move unconstitutional, labeling it as a “robbery of the constitution.” As tensions escalate, it remains to be seen how the government will respond to the growing dissent among the Indonesian population.
