23 Aug 2024 | 12:11 PM UTC
Indonesia: Further protests to denounce proposed election law revisions likely in major urban centers through late August
Activists likely to stage further protests in several cities across Indonesia through late August to denounce election law revisions.
Activists are likely to stage further protests in urban centers across the country through at least late August to denounce election law changes proposed by parliament. Several protests occurred in Jakarta, Bandung, Padang, and Yogyakarta on Aug. 22, drawing tens of thousands of protesters and prompting clashes and arrests. These have largely occurred near major government buildings, including Regional People's Representative Council (DPRD) offices and the House of Representatives in Jakarta.
Further protests are likely; these will likely draw thousands of people. Activists could gather near government buildings, public squares, and thoroughfares. Authorities will likely enact heightened security measures, including setting up roadblocks and deploying additional personnel, near any protests and may try to disperse gatherings if they are especially disruptive. Localized transport and business disruptions are probable, particularly if activists occupy nearby roads. Clashes between protesters and police are possible.
Avoid all protests as a precaution. Exercise caution near possible gathering sites. Heed the directives of officials. Plan for localized ground travel delays near demonstration areas.
The Aug. 22 protests followed a Constitutional Court ruling on Aug. 21 that parties would not need a minimum of 20 percent representation in their regional assemblies to field a candidate. The ruling also enforces a 30-year-old age requirement for governor candidates. Parliament tried to reverse the changes with an emergency motion on Aug. 22 but canceled it after the protests erupted.
Further protests are occurring as of Aug. 23 despite the cancellation of the motion, as many people perceive the government's actions as a threat to democracy and as an effort by President Joko Widodo and his supporters to consolidate power.
