Smartencyclopedia Staff & Agencies

Jakarta, Indonesia – Thousands of Indonesians have taken to the streets in major cities across the country to protest their government’s attempt to reverse a recent constitutional court ruling that could alter the political landscape ahead of upcoming elections.

Demonstrations have surged outside parliament in the capital, Jakarta, as well as in other significant cities such as Padang, Bandung, and Yogyakarta. The protests follow Wednesday’s ruling by Indonesia’s top court, which eliminated the requirement for political parties to hold at least 20% of seats in regional assemblies to field candidates in elections.

The court’s decision was hailed by smaller parties as a chance to compete more fairly in the political arena. However, within just 24 hours, parliament tabled an emergency motion to reverse the ruling—a move that has ignited widespread condemnation and fears of a looming constitutional crisis.

The fast-tracked legislation, expected to pass later on Thursday, aims to maintain the current electoral status quo, which benefits the ruling coalition of outgoing President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo and his successor, Prabowo Subianto. Critics argue that this would lead to uncontested local elections and limit political diversity.

One of the most contentious aspects of the parliament’s decision is its impact on high-profile opposition figures. The reversal of the court ruling would prevent Anies Baswedan, a prominent government critic, from running for the influential post of Jakarta governor.

In addition, the government is exploring ways to sidestep the court’s decision to uphold the minimum age limit of 30 for election candidates. This restriction would bar President Widodo’s 29-year-old son, Kaesang Pangarep, from contesting a regional seat in Central Java. Widodo’s eldest son, Gibran Rakabuming Raka, is set to become the vice president alongside Mr. Subianto, further intensifying the debate over political dynasties in Indonesia.

Observers warn that the escalating power struggle between Indonesia’s parliament—dominated by President Widodo’s supporters—and the constitutional court could plunge the country into a political crisis. However, President Widodo has downplayed these concerns, describing the amendments as part of the “checks and balances” inherent in the government system.

One of the protesters, filmmaker Joko Anwar, expressed deep concern about the government’s actions, accusing the country’s leaders of clinging to power at the expense of democracy. “Eventually, we’ll just become a powerless mass of objects, even though we’re the ones who gave them power,” Anwar said. “We have to take to the streets. We have no choice.”

The protests have gained momentum on social media, where blue posters emblazoned with the words “Emergency Warning” above Indonesia’s national eagle symbol have been widely circulated, reflecting the growing unrest.

Titi Anggraini, an elections analyst at the University of Indonesia, has condemned the parliament’s move, describing it as unconstitutional. “This is a robbery of the constitution,” Anggraini told BBC Indonesian, highlighting the gravity of the situation.

As the nation awaits the outcome of the parliamentary vote, the protests show no sign of abating, raising concerns about the future of Indonesia’s democracy and the rule of law.