Protesters in Indonesia Gather to Oppose Government’s Attempt to Reverse Constitutional Court Ruling
Thousands of demonstrators have gathered outside parliament in Jakarta and other major cities in Indonesia to protest against the government’s move to reverse a constitutional court ruling. The ruling would have opened up elections to rivals from smaller parties by eliminating the requirement for parties to have a minimum 20% representation in regional assemblies to field a candidate.
The top court’s decision was made on Wednesday, but within 24 hours, parliament introduced an emergency motion to reverse the changes. This decision has sparked widespread condemnation and fears of a constitutional crisis in the country.
The fast-tracked legislation, expected to pass later on Thursday, would maintain the status quo that favors parties in the ruling coalition of outgoing President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo and his successor, Prabowo Subianto. This move could result in many local elections being uncontested affairs.
Additionally, the parliament’s decision would prevent a major government critic, Anies Baswedan, from running for the influential post of Jakarta governor. The government is also attempting to find a way around the court’s decision to uphold the current minimum age limit of 30 for candidates, which would disqualify Mr. Widodo’s 29-year-old son from running in a regional contest in Central Java.
Observers believe that the power struggle between Indonesia’s parliament and the constitutional court could lead to a political crisis. Despite the tensions, President Widodo has downplayed the dispute, calling the amendments part of the “checks and balances” of government.
Protesters on the ground expressed their frustration with the government’s actions, with one protester stating, “We have to take to the streets. We have no choice.” Social media has been abuzz with blue posters warning of an “Emergency Warning” above Indonesia’s national eagle symbol.
Elections analyst Titi Anggraini from the University of Indonesia has criticized parliament’s move, calling it unconstitutional and a “robbery of the constitution.” The situation remains tense as Indonesians await the outcome of the parliamentary vote on the controversial legislation.
