Indonesia’s Parliament Postpones Election Rule Change Amidst Public Outcry

Indonesia’s parliament has announced that it will not ratify proposed changes to election rules before the end of the current government’s term, following intense protests and clashes outside the legislative building.
On Thursday, Sufmi Dasco Ahmad, the deputy speaker of parliament, stated that deliberations on the proposed changes would continue during the next parliamentary session. This delay means the new rules will not impact this year’s elections or be enacted under President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo, who is set to leave office in October.
The proposed amendments, which were intended to reverse a recent court ruling on election laws, sparked widespread demonstrations. Protesters gathered outside parliament, clashing with security forces who responded with tear gas and water cannon. The unrest led to breaches and partial destruction of parliament gates, as well as widespread protests across the country.
The rule changes were seen by many as an attempt to block a prominent government critic from running for Jakarta governor and to facilitate the entry of Jokowi’s youngest son into Central Java’s elections this November. The protests reflected broader concerns about the potential consolidation of power and threats to democratic processes.
Protesters carried signs accusing Jokowi of undermining democracy, and some displayed a mock guillotine featuring his likeness. The demonstrations were driven by a dispute over which government body should oversee electoral laws, adding to the controversy surrounding the proposed changes.
Initially, parliament postponed the ratification plan, citing a lack of quorum, before officially shelving the proposal. This move came amid significant public outcry and criticism from analysts who view the situation as an attempt by Jokowi to extend his influence before his term ends.
Jokowi, who has served two terms as president, will be succeeded by president-elect Prabowo Subianto and vice-president-elect Gibran Rakabuming Raka, Jokowi’s eldest son, on October 20. The delay in the rule changes underscores the intense scrutiny and debate surrounding Indonesia’s electoral processes and the transition of power.