Indonesian police used water cannons and tear gas against protesters on Thursday. Thousands tried to storm the parliament building in Jakarta. The demonstrations come as President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) nears the end of his ten-year rule.
The protests follow recent political moves, including a delayed vote that could expand Jokowi’s power after he leaves office. Officials held an emergency meeting, overturning one Constitutional Court decision and changing another.
A major point of anger is a failed court challenge by Jokowi’s 29-year-old son. He sought to lower the minimum age for presidential candidates, but the court rejected the bid.
Protesters filled the streets near parliament, holding signs and burning tires. Some threw objects at police. Activists, students, workers, and celebrities joined the rallies, expressing fears over the future of democracy.
Similar protests broke out in other cities, including Bandung, Yogyakarta, Surabaya, and Makassar.
Political analyst Yoes Kenawas said the demonstrations reflect public anger over attempts to bypass court rulings on election candidates. “They also reject Jokowi’s push for dynastic politics,” he told NBC News.
As of August 23, Smarttraveller had not mentioned the unrest in its updates.
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