By V.E.K.Madhushani, Jadetimes News
Tensions Rise as Demonstrations Escalate Against Government Legislation
Police in Jakarta have clashed with protesters as tens of thousands took to the streets in opposition to the government's efforts to overturn a recent ruling by Indonesia's Constitutional Court. Chaotic scenes erupted outside the parliament, with some demonstrators attempting to tear down the gates, while others urged for calm.
Similar clashes occurred in other major cities, including Padang, Bandung, and Yogyakarta. Analysts warn that the ongoing power struggle between Indonesia's parliament, dominated by the president's allies, and the Constitutional Court could trigger a political crisis.
The unrest follows a controversial ruling by Indonesia's top court on Wednesday, which eliminated the requirement for political parties to have a minimum of 20% representation in regional assemblies to field a candidate. However, within 24 hours, parliament introduced an emergency motion to reverse this decision, sparking widespread outrage and fears of a constitutional crisis.
A vote on the proposed legislation, aimed at reinstating the previous requirements, was postponed on Thursday due to insufficient attendance by MPs. If passed, the law would maintain the existing system, favoring the ruling coalition of outgoing President Joko "Jokowi" Widodo and his successor, Prabowo Subianto. This would likely lead to uncontested elections in many regions.
The proposed legislation also effectively blocks prominent government critic Anies Baswedan from running for Jakarta governor, a key political position. Additionally, the government is exploring ways to bypass the Constitutional Court's decision to uphold the minimum age limit of 30 for candidates, which would prevent President Widodo's 29 year old son, Kaesang Pangarep, from participating in a regional election in Central Java. Widodo's eldest son, Gibran Rakabuming Raka, is set to become the vice president after running alongside Prabowo.
President Widodo has downplayed the escalating dispute, framing the amendments as part of the government's system of "checks and balances." However, the public remains unconvinced. Protester Joko Anwar expressed frustration, stating that the country's leaders seem intent on consolidating power at the expense of the people. "Eventually, we'll just become a powerless mass of objects, even though we’re the ones who gave them power," he said. "We have to take to the streets. We have no choice."
The unrest has also sparked a social media campaign, with blue posters bearing the words "Emergency Warning" above Indonesia's national eagle symbol widely circulated.
Titi Anggraini, an elections analyst at the University of Indonesia, criticized parliament's move to overturn the court's decision, calling it unconstitutional. "This is a robbery of the constitution," she said.
