Indonesians protest against proposed changes to election law, threat to democracy
- The move by parliament to undo a top court’s rulings on the election law is to secure Joko Widodo’s political interests, analysts say
Protesters gathered on Thursday outside the parliament building in Jakarta, with some waving banners accusing Jokowi of destroying democracy. Kompas TV footage shows authorities firing tear gas at protesters in Semarang, the capital of Central Java province. Security forces fired a water cannon outside parliament at protesters, a Reuters witness said.
There were more than 1,000 protesters taking part in demonstrations in the different cities, according to a Reuters report.
Online users including Indonesian celebrities have taken to social media to share an ominous image of the country’s national eagle symbol with the words Peringatan Darurat (Emergency Warning). The viral image was shared alongside plans from civil activists to protest against the parliamentary proposal on Thursday and Friday.
On Tuesday, the constitutional court lowered the barrier in terms of party representation for the nomination of candidates for regional elections, enabling smaller parties to run.