In Indonesia, thousands of citizens have taken to the streets in several cities to protest a delay in revising the country’s election law. The protests intensified when parliament postponed the approval of proposed changes to the election rules on Thursday. Demonstrators in Jakarta attempted to breach the gates of the parliament building, voicing their discontent over the legislation perceived as bolstering the political power of outgoing President Joko Widodo.

Legislator Habiburokhman informed reporters that the parliamentary session, intended to pass the changes, was postponed due to insufficient attendance. It remains uncertain whether parliament will reconvene to finalize the law before the registration period for regional elections begins next Tuesday.

The proposed changes aimed to overturn a recent constitutional court ruling. These changes would have excluded a prominent government critic from running for the Jakarta governor position and would have facilitated the candidacy of Widodo’s youngest son in the upcoming Java elections in November.

This development occurs amidst a period of significant political upheaval in Indonesia, the world’s third-largest democracy, as President Widodo nears the end of his second term. Widodo has downplayed the controversy, asserting that the court’s decision and parliamentary discussions are part of the standard “checks and balances” process.

On Thursday, over 1,000 protesters assembled outside the parliament and in several cities across Java. Some demonstrators carried signs accusing President Widodo, commonly known as Jokowi, of undermining democracy. In Semarang, authorities deployed tear gas to disperse the crowd, as captured in recent footage.

Afif Sidik, a 29-year-old teacher participating in the protest, expressed his frustration, stating, “This is the peak of my disdain. This is a republic. It’s a democracy, but if its leadership is decided by one person or an oligarch, we can’t accept that.”

Legal experts and political analysts are warning that the situation could be nearing a constitutional crisis. Analyst Titi Anggraini described the actions as “constitutional insubordination.”

The protests are accompanied by a surge of online criticism, with social media featuring blue posters with the phrase “Emergency Warning” alongside Indonesia’s national bird, the Javan hawk-eagle.

Indonesia, Australia Finalize Historic Defence Treaty to Boost Military Cooperation

Democrats Celebrate Kamala Harris as Barack Obamas Set to Take Convention Stage

Republicans Endorse Kamala Harris, Urge Voters to Prioritize Country Over Party