Reports from major news outlets and official crowd estimates

Protests Erupt in Jakarta as Security Forces Clash Over Widodo-Subianto Favored Election Law Changes

Aug 22, 2024, 08:13 AM

Protests have erupted across Indonesia as the parliament attempts to overturn Constitutional Court rulings regarding election laws, impacting regional elections. The proposed changes, which include removing the 20% threshold for parties, are seen as favoring President Joko Widodo and his successor Prabowo Subianto. Thousands of police have been deployed near the parliament in Jakarta to manage the growing unrest. The protests, which have spread to major cities like Jakarta, Padang, Bandung, and Yogyakarta, have seen security forces using tear gas and water cannons against demonstrators. Many minority lawmakers have boycotted the vote. The parliament has postponed ratifying the contentious election law changes, which could enable the president’s youngest son to contest, amid the fierce protests.