Indonesia: Unionized workers cancel planned protests in Jakarta Aug. 23 /update 1

Labor organizations, led by the Indonesian Trade Union Confederation (KSPI), have canceled planned protests outside the parliamentary building (DPR) and General Election Commission (KPU) office in Jakarta Aug. 23. The aim of the planned action was to denounce alleged attempts by lawmakers to circumvent new rules issued by the Constitutional Court for regional head elections. Related gatherings on Aug. 22 led to clashes between police and demonstrators outside the DPR, with security forces using tear gas and water cannons to disperse protesters. Organizers decided to cancel the protests after the DPR announced it would not ratify amendments to the Regional Election Law.

Despite the cancellation, further protests remain possible if the KPU fails to revise its regulations as required by the Constitutional Court. Possible gathering sites include the DPR, KPU office, Constitutional Court, State Palace, and Merdeka Square. Increased security measures will likely continue at DPR and KPU over the coming days, including heightened deployment of security personnel and imposition of traffic restrictions such as security cordons, diversions, and road closures.